The pirate, and The three cutters

(9 MA.RRYAT (Frederick). The Pirate, and the Three Cutters. 8vo.,
FIRST EDITION, vAth 20 illustrations by Glarhson Stanfield ; original cloth

1836

V

THE PIRATE,

AND

THE THREE CUTTERS.

LONDON:

Printed by J. Moyes, Castle Street, Leicester Square.

wsm^^ "'msm

r.ondon.PuMshea DecT 1,1835. lor thr

"1^ ft ^^

FI

Tb

TME TMEEE COTTE

oyOz/^^'' ■^'cc/u^'

■y.M^-JM.

^'.ilirr'A^'''

ROVr. DEC* iS.^fa.

/?i''^:?>v'V<;^::^^<^

fyt^e^ifCA^'i^^^f ^-

THE PIRATE,

AND

THE THREE CUTTERS,

BY

CAPTAIN MARRYAT, R.N.

ILLUSTRATED WITH TWENTY SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS

Jfrom Bratomgs
By CLARKSON STANFIELD, ESQ. R.A.

* > > >

LONDON:

PUBLISHKD FOR THE PROPRIETOR BY

LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMAN.

1836.

CONTENTS.

Vtie pirate.

CHAPTER PAGB

I. THE BAY OF BISCAY 1

II. THE BACHELOR 9

III. THE GALE 21

IV. THE LEAK 28

V. THE OLD MAID 39

VL THE MIDSHIPMAN 50

VIL SLEEPER'S BAY 58

VIIL THE ATTACK 73

IX. THE CAPTURE 84

X. THE SAND-BANK 106

XL THE ESCAPE 115

XIL THE LIEUTENANT 128

Xm. THE LANDING 137

XIV. THE MEETING c 153

XV. THE MISTAKE 168

XVI. THE CAICOS 182

XVIL THE TRIAL 198

XVin. CONCLUSION 216

€\)t '^f)ttt d^utUx^.

I. CUTTER THE FIRST 229

IL CUTTER THE SECOND 246

in. CUTTER THE THIRD 256

IV. PORTLAND BILL 264

V. THE TRAVESTIE 277

VI. THE SMUGGLING YACHT 292

VIL CONCLUSION 302

M125264

LIST OF PLATES.

PACK

THE MAST-HEADED MIDSHIPMAN (Title) Vide 54

CAPTAIN MARRYAT, R.N. (Frontispiece)

THE BAY OF BISCAY 7

CUTTING AWAY THE MASTS 26

ABANDONING THE CIRCASSIAN 36

SLEEPER'S BAY 59

THE DECK OF THE AVENGER 62

THE CAPTURE 82

DESTRUCTION OF THE INDIAMAN 94

THE SAND-BANK 113

ESCAPE ON THE RAFT 122

THE SHIP ON FIRE 124

RESCUING THE CREW FROM THE BURNING VESSEL ••. 126

THE RETREAT OF THE PIRATES 152

THE WRECK OF THE AVENGER 189

CAVE OF THE CAICOS 192

CAIN IN THE CAVERN 218

THE ARROW AT PLYMOUTH • 230

THE ACTIVE AT PORTSMOUTH 246

THE HAPPY-GO-LUCKY AT ST. MALOES 257

/

THE PIRATE.

CHAPTER I.

THE BAY OF BISCAY.

It was in the latter part of the month of June, of the
year 179-, that the angry waves of the Bay of Biscay
were gradually subsiding, after a gale of wind as vio-
lent as it was unusual during that period of the year.
Still they rolled heavily ; and, at times, the wind blew
up in fitful, angry gusts, as if it would fain renew
the elemental combat ; but each effort was more feeble,
and the dark clouds which had been summoned to the
storm, now fled in every quarter before the powerful
rays of the sun, who burst their masses asunder with a
glorious flood of light and heat : and, as he poured
down his resplendent beams, piercing deep into the
waters of that portion of the Atlantic to which we now
refer, with the exception of one object, hardly visible,
as at creation, there was a vast circumference of water,
bounded by the fancied canopy of heaven. We have
said, with the exception of one object; for in the centre
of this picture, so simple, yet so sublime, composed of

B

THE BAY OF BISCAY.

the three great elements, there was a remnant of the
fourth. We say a remnant, for it was but the hull of
a vessel, dismasted, water-logged, its upper works only
floating occasionally above the waves, when a transient
repose from their still violent undulation permitted it
to reassume its buoyancy. But this was seldom ; one
moment it was deluged by the seas, which broke as
they poured over its gunwale ; and the next, it rose
from its submersion, as the water escaped from the
port-holes at its sides.

How many thousands of vessels — how many mil-
lions of property — have been abandoned, and eventu-
ally consigned to the all-receiving depths of the ocean,
through ignorance or through fear ! What a mine of
wealth must lie buried in its sands, what riches lie
entangled amongst its rocks, or remain suspended in
its unfathomable gulf, where the compressed fluid is
equal in gravity to that which it encircles, there to
remain secured in its embedment from corruption and
decay, until the destruction of the universe, and the
return of chaos. Yet, immense as the accumulated
loss must be, the major part of it has been occasioned
from an ignorance of one of the first laws of nature,
that of specific gravity. The vessel to which we have
referred, was, to all appearance, in a situation of as
extreme hazard as that of a drowning man clinging
to a single rope-yarn; yet, in reality, she was more
secure from descending to the abyss below than many
gallantly careering on the waters, their occupants dis-
missing all fear, and only calculating upon a quick
arrival into port.

THE BAY OF BISCAY. O

The Circassian had sailed from New Orleans, a
gallant and well-appointed ship, with a cargo, the major
part of which consisted of cotton. The captain was, in
the usual acceptation of the term, a good sailor ; the
crew were hardy and able seamen. As they crossed
the Atlantic, they had encountered the gale to which
we have referred, were driven down into the Bay of
Biscay, where, as we shall hereafter explain, the vessel
was dismasted, and sprang a leak, which baffled all
their exertions to keep under. It was now five days
since the frightened crew had quitted the vessel in
two of her boats, one of which had swamped, and
every soul that occupied it had perished; the fate
of the other was uncertain.

We said that the crew had deserted the vessel, but
we did not assert that every existing being had been
removed out of her. Had such been the case, we should
not have taken up the reader's time in describing in-
animate matter. It is life that we portray, and life
there still was, in the shattered hull thus abandoned
to the mockery of the ocean. In the caboose of the
Circassian, that is, in the cooking-house, secured on
deck, and which fortunately had been so well fixed
as to resist the force of the breaking waves, remained
three beings — a man, a woman, and a child. The
two first mentioned were of that inferior race which
have, for so long a period, been procured from the
sultry Afric coast, to toil, but reap not for them-
selves ; the child which lay at the breast of the female
was of European blood, now, indeed, deadly pale,
as it attempted in vain to draw sustenance from its

4 THE BAY OF BISCAY.

exhausted nurse, down whose sable cheeks the tears
coursed, as she occasionally pressed the infant to her
breast, or turned it round to leeward to screen it from
the spray, which dashed over them at each returning
swell. Indifferent to all else, save her little charge,
she spoke not, although she shuddered with the cold,
as the water washed her knees each time that the hull
was careened into the wave. Cold and terror had pro-
duced a change in her complexion, which now wore a
yellow, or sort of copper hue.

The male, who was her companion, sat opposite to
her upon the iron range, which once had been the
receptacle of light and heat, but was now but a weary
seat to a drenched and worn-out wretch. He, too, had
not spoken for many hours ; with the muscles of his
face relaxed, his thick lips pouting far in advance of
his collapsed cheeks, his high cheek-bones, prominent
as budding-horns, his eyes displaying little but their
whites, he appeared to be an object of greater misery
than the female, whose thoughts were directed to the
infant, and not unto herself. Yet his feelings were still
acute, although his faculties appeared to be deadened
by excess of suffering.

" Eh, me !" cried the negro woman faintly, after a
long silence, her head falling back with extreme ex-
haustion. Her companion made no reply, but, roused
at the sound of her voice, bent forward, slided open
the door a little, and looked out to windward. The
heavy spray dashed into his glassy eyes, and obscured
his vision ; he groaned, and fell back into his former
position. '* What you tink, Coco?" inquired the

THE BAY OF BISCAY.

negress, covering up more carefully the child, as she
bent her head down upon it. A look of despair, and
a shudder from cold and hunger, were the only reply.

It was then about eight o'clock in the morning, and
the swell of the ocean was fast subsiding. At noon the
warmth of the sun was communicated to them through
the planks of the caboose, while its rays poured a small
stream of vivid light through the chinks of the closed
panels. The negro appeared gradually to revive : at
last he rose, and with some difficulty contrived again
to slide open the door. The sea had gradually de-
creased its violence, and but occasionally broke over
the vessel; carefully holding on by the door-jambs,
Coco gained the outside, that he might survey the
horizon.

*^ What you see, Coco?" said the female, observing
from the caboose that his eyes were fixed upon a certain
quarter.

'* So help me God, me tink me see something ; but
ab so much salt water in um eye, me no see clear,"
replied Coco, rubbing away the salt, which had crys-
tallised on his face during the morning.

" What you tink um like, Coco ?"

" Only one bit cloud," replied he, entering the
caboose, and resuming his seat upon the grate with a
heavy sigh.

*' Eh, me ! " cried the negress, who had uncovered
the child to look at it, and whose powers were sinking
fast. " Poor lilly Massa Eddard, him look very bad
indeed — him die very soon, me fear. Look, Coco, no
ab breath."'

b THE BAY OF BISCAY.

The child's head fell back from the breast of its
nurse, and life appeared to be extinct.

^^ Judy, you no ab milk for piccaninny ; suppose
um no ab milk, how can live? Eh! stop, Judy, me
put lilly finger in um mouth ; suppose Massa Eddard
no dead, him pull."

Coco inserted his finger into the child's mouth,
and felt a slight drawing pressure. " Judy," cried
Coco, " Massa Eddard no dead yet. Try now, suppose
you ab lilly drop oder side."

Poor Judy shook her head mournfully, and a tear
rolled down her cheek ; she was aware that nature was
exhausted. " Coco," said she, wiping her cheek with
the back of her hand, " me give me heart blood for
Massa Eddard ; but no ab milk — all gone."

This forcible expression of love for the child, which
was used by Judy, gave an idea to Coco. He drew
his knife out of his pocket, and very coolly sawed
to the bone of his fore-finger. The blood flowed and
trickled down to the extremity, which he applied to
the mouth of the infant.

*' See, Judy, Massa Eddard suck — him not dead,"
cried Coco, chuckling at the fortunate result of the
experiment, and forgetting, at the moment, their almost
hopeless situation.

The child revived by the strange sustenance, gra-
dually recovered its powers, and in a few minutes it
pulled at the finger with a certain degree of vigour.

" Look, Judy, how Massa Eddard take it," con-
tinued Coco. " Pull away, Massa Edward, pull away.
Coco ab ten finger, and take long while suck em all

THE BAY OF BISCAY. 7

dry." But the child was soon satisfied, and fell asleep
in the arms of Judy.

'* Coco, suppose you go see again," observed Judy.
The negro again crawled out, and again he scanned
the horizon.

'^ So help me God, this time me tink, Judy — yes,
so help me God, me see a ship!" cried Coco joyfully.

'* Eh!" screamed Judy, faintly, with delight; *^ den
Massa Eddard no die."

" Yes, so help me God — he come dis way!" and
Coco, who appeared to have recovered a portion of his
former strength and activity, clambered on the top of
the caboose, where he sat, cross-legged, waving his
yellow handkerchief, with the hope of attracting the
attention of those on board ; for he knew that it was
very possible that an object floating little more than
level with the water's surface might escape notice.

As it fortunately happened, the frigate, for such she
was, continued her course precisely for the wreck, al-
though it had not been perceived by the look-out men
at the mast-heads, whose eyes had been directed to the
line of the horizon. In less than an hour, our little
party were threatened with a new danger, that of being
run over by the frigate, which was now within a cable's
length of them, driving the seas before her in one
widely extended foam, as she pursued her rapid and
impetuous course. Coco shouted to his utmost, and
fortunately attracted the notice of the men who were
on the bowsprit, stowing away the foretopmast-staysail,
which had been hoisted up to dry after the gale.

" Starboard, hard!" was roared out.

8 THE BAY OF BISCAY.

*' Starboard it is," was the reply from the quarter-
deck, and the helm was shifted without inquiry, as it
always is on board of a man-of-war, although, at the
same time, it behoves people to be rather careful how
they pass such an order, without being prepared with a
subsequent and most satisfactory explanation.

The topmast studding-sail flapped and fluttered,
the foresail shivered, and the jib filled as the frigate
rounded to, narrowly missing the wreck, which was now
under the bows, rocking so violently in the white foam
of the agitated waters, that it was with difficulty that
Coco could, by clinging to the stump of the mainmast,
retain his elevated position. The frigate shortened
sail, hove to, and lowered down a quarter-boat, and in
less than five minutes, Coco, Judy, and the infant, were
rescued from their awful situation. Poor Judy, who
had borne up against all for the sake of the child,
placed it in the arms of the officer who relieved them,
and then fell back in a state of insensibility, in which
condition she was carried on board. Coco, as he took
his place in the stern-sheets of the boat, gazed wildly
round him, and then broke out into peals of extrava-
gant laughter, which continued without intermission,
and were the only replies which he could give to the
interrogatories of the quarter-deck, until he fell down
in a swoon, and was intrusted to the care of the
surgeon.

CHAPTER II.

THE BACHELOR.

On the evening of the same day on which the child
and the two negroes had been saved from the wreck
by the fortunate appearance of the frigate, Mr. Wither-
ington, of Finsbury Square, was sitting alone in his
dining-room, wondering what could have become of the
Circassian, and why he had not received intelligence of
her arrival. Mr. Witherington, as we said before, was
alone ; he had his port and his sherry before him ; and
although the weather was rather warm, there was a
small fire in the grate, because, as Mr. Witherington
asserted, it looked comfortable. Mr. Witherington
having watched the ceiling of the room for some time,
although there was certainly nothing new to be dis-
covered, filled another glass of wine, and then proceeded
to make himself more comfortable by unbuttoning three
more buttons of his waistcoat, pushing his wig farther
back off his head, and casting loose all the buttons at
the knees of his breeches; he completed his arrange-
ments by dragging towards him two chairs within his
reach, putting his legs upon one while he rested his
arm upon the other : and why was not Mr. Withering-
ton to make himself comfortable ? He had good health,
a good conscience, and eight thousand a-year.

10 THE BACHELOR.

Satisfied with all his little arrangements, Mr.
Witherington sipped his port wine, and putting down
his glass again, fell back in his chair, placed his hands
on his breast, interwove his fingers ; and in this most
comfortable position recommenced his speculations as
to the non-arrival of the Circassian.

We will leave him to his cogitations while we intro-
duce him more particularly to our readers.

The father of Mr. Witherington was a younger son
of one of the oldest and proudest families in the West
Riding of Yorkshire : he had his choice of the four
professions allotted to younger sons whose veins are
filled with patrician blood — the army, the navy, the law,
and the church. The army did not suit him, he said, as
marching and counter-marching were not comfortable ;
the navy did not suit him, as there was little comfort in
gales of wind and mouldy biscuit ; the law did not suit
him, as he was not sure that he would be at ease with
his conscience, which would not be comfortable ; the
church was also rejected, as it was, with him, connected
with the idea of a small stipend, hard duty, a wife and
eleven children, which were any thing but comfortable.
Much to the horror of his family he eschewed all the
liberal professions, and embraced the offer of an old
backslider of an uncle, who proposed to him a situation
in his banking-house, and a partnership as soon as he
deserved it : the consequence was, that his relations bade
him an indignant farewell, and then made no further
inquiries about him : he was as decidedly cut as one of
the female branches of the family would have been had
she committed a faux pas.

THE BACHELOR. 11

Nevertheless, Mr. Witherington senior stuck dili-
gently to his business, in a few years was a partner,
and, at the death of the old gentleman, his uncle, found
himself in possession of a good property, and every year
coining money at his bank.

Mr. Witherington senior then purchased a house in
Finsbury Square, and thought it advisable to look out
for a wife.

Having still much of the family pride in his compo-
sition, he resolved not to muddle the blood of the Wither-
ington s by any cross from Cateaton Street or Mincing
Lane ; and, after a proper degree of research, he selected
the daughter of a Scotch earl, who went to London
with a bevy of nine in a Leith smack to barter blood
for wealth. Mr. Witherington being so fortunate as
to be the first-comer, had the pick of the nine ladies
by courtesy ; his choice was light-haired, blue-eyed, a
little freckled, and very tall, by no means bad looking,
and standing on the list in the family Bible No. IV.
From this union Mr. Witherington had issue ; first, a
daughter, christened Moggy, whom we shall soon have
to introduce to our reader as a spinster of forty-seven ;
and second, Anthony Alexander Witherington, Esquire,
whom we just now have left in a very comfortable
position, and in a very brown study.

Mr. Witherington senior persuaded his son to enter
the banking-house ; and, as a dutiful son, he entered it
every day, but he did nothing more, having made the
fortunate discovery that " his father was born before
him ; " or, in other words, that his father had plenty of
money, and would be necessitated to leave it behind him.

12 THE BACHELOR.

As Mr. Witherington senior had always studied
comfort, his son had early imbibed the same idea, and
carried his feelings, in that respect, to a much greater
excess : he divided things into comfortable and uncom-
fortable. One fine day, Lady Mary Witherington, after
paying all the household bills, paid the debt of Nature ;
that is, she died : her husband paid the undertaker's bill,
so it is to be presumed that she was buried.

Mr. Witherington senior shortly afterwards had a
stroke of apoplexy, which knocked him down. Death,
who has no feelings of honour, struck him when down.
And Mr. Witherington, after having laid a few days in
bed, was by a second stroke laid in the same vault as
Lady Mary Witherington : and Mr. Witherington
junior (our Mr. Witherington), after deducting 40,000/.
for his sister's fortune, found himself in possession of a
clear 8,000/. per annum, and an excellent house in
Finsbury Square. Mr. Witherington considered this a
comfortable income, and he therefore retired altogether
from business.

During the lifetime of his parents he had been witness
to one or two matrimonial scenes, which had induced
him to put down matrimony as one of the things not
comfortable ; therefore he remained a bachelor.

His sister Moggy also remained unmarried ; but
whether it were from a very unprepossessing squint
which deterred suitors, or from the same dislike to
matrimony as her brother had imbibed, it is not in our
power to say. Mr. Witherington was three years
younger than his sister ; and, although he had for some
time worn a wig, it was only because he considered it

THE BACHELOR. 13

more comfortable. Mr. Witherington's whole character
might be summed up in two words — eccentricity and
benevolence : eccentric he certainly was, as most bache-
lors usually are. Man is but a rough pebble without
the attrition received from contact with the gentler sex :
it is wonderful how the ladies pumice a man down into
a smoothness which occasions him to roll over and over
with the rest of his species, jostling but not wounding
his neighbours, as the waves of circumstance bring
him into collision with them.

Mr. Witherington roused himself from his deep
reverie, and felt for the string connected with the bell-
pull, which it was the butler's duty invariably to attach
to the arm of his master's chair previous to his last
exit from the dining-room ; for, as Mr. Witherington
very truly observed, it was very uncomfortable to be
obliged to get up and ring the bell ; indeed, more than
once Mr. Witherington had calculated the advantages
and disadvantages of having a daughter about eight
years old who could ring the bell, air the newspapers,
and cut the leaves of a new novel.

When, however, he called to mind that she could
not always remain at that precise age, he decided that
the balance of comfort was against it.

Mr. Witherington having pulled the bell again, fell
into, a brown study.

Mr. Jonathan, the butler, made his appearance ; but
observing that his master was occupied, he immediately
stopped at the door, erect, motionless, and with a face
as melancholy as if he was performing mute at the porch
of some departed peer of the realm ; for it is an under-

14 THE BACHELOR.

stood thing that the greater the rank of the defunct, the
longer must be the face, and, of course, the better must
be the pay.

Now, as Mr. Witherington is still in profound
thought, and Mr. Jonathan will stand as long as a
hackney-coach horse, we will just leave them as they
are, while we introduce the brief history of the latter to
our readers. Jonathan Trapp had served as iooiboy,
which term, we believe, is derived from those who are in
that humble capacity receiving a quantum suff. of the
application of the feet of those above them to increase
the energy of their service; then as footwzaw, which
implies that they have been promoted to the more agree-
able right of administering instead of receiving the
above dishonourable applications; and lastly, for pro-
motion could go no higher in the family, he had been
raised to the dignity of butler in the service of Mr.
Witherington senior. Jonathan then fell in love, for
butlers are guilty of indiscretions as well as their
masters : neither he nor his fair flame, who was a lady's
maid in another family, notwithstanding that they had
witnessed the consequences of this error in others, would
take warning : they gave warning, and they married.

Like most butlers and ladies' maids who pair off, they
set up a public house ; and it is but justice to the lady's
maid to say, that she would have preferred an eating-
house, but was overruled by Jonathan, who argued, that
although people would drink when they were not dry,
they never would eat unless they were hungry.

Now, although there was truth in the observation,
this is certain, that business did not prosper ; it has

THE BACHELOR. 15

been surmised that Jonathan's tall, lank, lean figure,
injured his custom, as people are but too much inclined
to judge of the goodness of the ale by the rubicund face
and rotundity of the landlord ; and therefore inferred
that there could be no good beer where mine host was
the picture of famine. There certainly is much in
appearances in this world ; and it appears, that in con-
sequence of Jonathan's cadaverous appearance, he very
soon appeared in the gazette : but what ruined Jonathan
in one profession procured him immediate employment
in another. An appraiser, upholsterer, and undertaker,
who was called in to value the fixtures, fixed his eye
upon Jonathan, and knowing the value of his pecu-
liarly lugubrious appearance, and having a half-
brother of equal height, offered him immediate em-
ployment as a mute. Jonathan soon forgot to mourn
his own loss of a few hundreds in his new occupation
of mourning the loss of thousands ; and his erect, stiff,
statue-like carriage, and long melancholy face, as he
stood at the portals of those who ; had entered the
portals of the next world, were but too often a sarcasm
upon the grief of the inheritors. Even grief is worth
nothing in this trafiicking world unless it is paid for.
Jonathan buried many, and at last buried his wife*
So far all was well ; but at last he buried his master,
the undertaker, which was not quite so desirable.
Although Jonathan wept not, yet did he express mute
sorrow as he marshalled him to his long home, and
drank to his memory in a pot of porter as he returned
from the funeral, perched, with many others, like car-
rion crows on the top of the hearse.

16 THE BACHELOR.

And now Jonathan was thrown out of employment
from a reason which most people would have thought
the highest recommendation. Every undertaker re-
fused to take him, because they could not match him.
In this unfortunate dilemma, Jonathan thought of Mr.
Witherington junior ; he had served and he had buried
Mr. Witherington his father, and Lady Mary his
mother ; he felt that he had strong claims for such
variety of services, and he applied to the bachelor.
Fortunately for Jonathan, Mr. Witherington's butler-
incumbent was just about to commit the same folly as
Jonathan had done before, and Jonathan was again
installed, resolving in his own mind to lead his former
life, and have nothing more to do with ladies' maids.
But from habit Jonathan still carried himself as a mute
on all ordinary occasions — never indulging in an ap-
proximation to mirth, except when he perceived that
his master was in high spirits, and then rather from a
sense of duty than from any real hilarity of heart.

Jonathan was no mean scholar for his station in
life, and, during his service with the undertaker, he
had acquired the English of all the Latin mottoes
which are placed upon the hatchments; and these
mottoes, when he considered them as apt, he was very
apt to quote. We left Jonathan standing at the door;
he had closed it, and the handle still remained in his
hand. " Jonathan," said Mr. Witherington, after a
long pause — *^ I wish to look at the last letter from
New York, you will find it on my dressing-table.''

Jonathan quitted the room without reply, and
made his reappearance with the letter.

THE BACHELOR. 17

** It is a long- time that I have been expecting this
vessel, Jonathan," observed Mr. Witherington, unfold-
ing the letter.

" Yes, sir, a long while; tempus fugit" replied the
butler in a low tone, half shutting his eyes.

" I hope to God no accident has happened," con-
tinued Mr. Witherington ; ** my poor little cousin and
her twins, e'en now that I speak, they may be all at
the bottom of the sea."

" Yes, sir," replied the butler ; " the sea defrauds
many an honest undertaker of his profits."

" By the blood of the Witheringtons ! I may be left
without an heir, and shall be obliged to marry, which
would be very uncomfortable."

** Very little comfort," echoed Jonathan — " my
wife is dead. In coelo quies.''

" Well, we must hope for the best : but this sus-
pense is any thing but comfortable," observed Mr.
Witherington, after looking over the contents of the
letter for at least the twentieth time.

" That will do, Jonathan ; I'll ring for coffee pre-
sently :" and Mr. Witherington was again alone and
with his eyes fixed upon the ceiling.

A cousin of Mr. Witherington, and a very great
favourite (for Mr. Witherington having a large fortune,
and not having any thing to do with business, was
courted by his relations), had, to a certain degree, com-
mitted herself; that is to say, that, notwithstanding the
injunctions of her parents, she had fallen in love with
a young lieutenant in a marching regiment, whose
pedigree was but respectable, and whose fortune was

c

}S THE BACHELOB.

any thing but respectable, consisting merely of a sub-
altern's pay. Poor men, unfortunately, always make
love better than those who are rich, because, having
less to care about, and not being puffed up with their
own consequence, they are not so selfish, and think
much more of the lady than of themselves. Young
ladies, also, who fall in love, never consider whether
there is sufficient to *^ make the pot boil" — probably
because young ladies in love lose their appetites, and
not feeling inclined to eat at that time, they imagine
that love will always supply the want of food. Now,
we will appeal to the married ladies whether we are
not right in asserting, that, although the collation
spread for them and their friends on the day of the
marriage is looked upon with almost loathing, they
do not find their appetites return with interest soon
afterwards. This was precisely the case with Cecilia
Witherington, or rather Cecilia Templemore, for she
had changed her name the day before. It was also
the case with her husband, who always had a good
appetite, even during his days of courtship ; and the
consequence was, that the messman's account, for they
lived in barracks, was, in a few weeks, rather alarm-
ing. Cecilia applied to her family, who very kindly
sent her word that she might starve : but the advice
neither suiting her nor her husband, she then wrote to
her cousin Antony, who sent her word that he should
be most happy to receive them at his table, and that
they should take up their abode in Finsbury Square.
This was exactly what they wished ; but still there was
a certain difficulty — Lieutenant Templemore's regiment

THE BACHELOR. 19

was quartered in a town in Yorkshire, which was some
trifling distance from Finsbury Square, and to be at
Mr. Witherington's dinner-table at six p.m., with
the necessity of appearing at parade every morning at
nine a.m., was a dilemma not to be got out of.
Several letters were interchanged upon this knotty
subject ; and at last it was agreed that Mr. Templemore
should sell out, and come up to Mr. Witherington with
his pretty wife : he did so, and found that it was much
more comfortable to turn out at nine o'clock in the
morning to a good breakfast than to a martial parade.
But Mr. Templemore had an honest pride and inde-
pendence of character which would not permit him to
eat the bread of idleness, and, after a sojourn of two
months in most comfortable quarters, without a mess-
man's bill, he frankly stated his feelings to Mr. Wi-
therington, and requested his assistance to procure for
himself an honourable livelihood. Mr. Witherington,
who had become attached to them both, would have
remonstrated, observing that Cecilia was his own
cousin, and that he was a confirmed bachelor : but, in
this instance, Mr. Templemore was firm, and Mr.
Witherington very unwillingly consented. A mercan-
tile house of the highest respectability required a
partner who could superintend their consignments to
America. Mr. Witherington advanced the sum re-
quired ; and, in a few weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Temple-
more sailed for New York.

Mr. Templemore was active and intelligent ; their
affairs prospered ; and, in a few years, they anticipated
a return to their native soil with a competence. But

20 THE BACHELOR.

the autumn of the second year after their arrival proved
very sickly ; the yellow fever raged ; and, among the
thousands who were carried off, Mr. Templemore was
a victim, about three weeks after his wife had been
brought to bed of twins. Mrs. Templemore rose from
her couch a widow and the mother of two fine boys.
The loss of Mr. Templemore was replaced by the
establishment with which he was connected, and
Mr. Witherington offered to his cousin that asylum
which, in her mournful and unexpected bereavement,
she so much required. In three months her affairs
were arranged; and, with her little boys hanging at
the breasts of two negro nurses, for no others could
be procured who would undertake the voyage, Mrs.
Templemore, with Coco as a male servant, embarked
on board of the good ship Circassian, A. 1., bound to
Liverpool.

21

CHAPTER III.

THE GALE.

Those who, standing on the pier, had witnessed the
proud hearing of the Circassian as she gave her canvass
to the winds, little contemplated her fate : still less
did those on board ; for confidence is the characteristic
of seamen, and they have the happy talent of imparting
their confidence to whomever may be in their company.
We shall pass over the voyage, confining ourselves to
a description of the catastrophe.

It was during a gale from the north-west, which
had continued for three days, and by which the
Circassian had been driven into the Bay of Biscay,
that, at about twelve o'clock at night, a slight lull was
perceptible. The captain, who had remained on deck,
sent down for the chief mate. " Oswald," said Captain
Ingram, *' the gale is breaking, and I think before
morning we shall have had the worst of it. I shall
lie down for an hour or two : call me if there be any
change."

Oswald Bareth, a tall, sinewy-built, and handsome
specimen of transatlantic growth, examined the whole
circumference of the horizon before he replied. At
last his eyes were steadily fixed to leeward : " I've a

22 THE GALE.

notion not, sir," said he ; "I see no signs of clearing
off, to leeward ; only a lull for relief, and a fresh hand
at the bellows, depend upon it."

" We have now had it three days," replied Captain
Ingram, *^ and that's the life of a summer's gale."

" Yes," rejoined the mate ; " but always provided
that it don't blow back again. I don't like the look
of it, sir ; and have it back we shall, as sure as there's
snakes in Virginny."

*' Well, so be if so be," was the safe reply of the
captain. " You must keep a sharp look-out, Bareth,
and don't leave the deck to call me ; send a hand
down."

The captain descended to his cabin. Oswald looked
at the compass in the bittacle — spoke a few words
to the man at the helm — gave one or two terrible
kicks in the ribs to some of the men who were caulking
' — sounded the pump-well — put a fresh quid of tobacco
into his cheek, and then proceeded to examine the
heavens above. A cloud, much darker and more
descending than the others which obscured the firma-
ment, spread over the zenith, and based itself upon the
horizon to leeward. Oswald's eye had been fixed upon
it but a few seconds, when he beheld a small lambent
gleam of lightning pierce through the most opaque
part; then another, and more vivid. Of a sudden the
wind lulled, and the Circassian righted from her
careen. Again the wind howled — and again the
vessel was pressed down to her bearings by its force :
again another flash of lightning, which was followed
by a distant peal of thunder.

THE GALE. 23

" Had the worst of it, did you say, captain? I've
a notion that the worst is yet to come ; " muttered
Oswald, still watching the heavens.

*' How does she carry her helm, Matthew?" in-
quired Oswald, walking aft*

" Spoke a-weather."

*^ rU have that trysail off of her, at any rate,"
continued the mate. ** Aft, there, my lads ! and lower
down the trysail. Keep the sheet fast till it's down,
or the flogging will frighten the lady-passenger out
of her wits. Well, if ever I own a craft, I'll have no
women on board. Dollars shan't tempt me."

The lightning now played in rapid forks ; and the
loud thunder, which instantaneously followed each
flash, proved its near approach. A deluge of slanting
rain descended — the wind lulled — roared again —
then lulled — shifted a point or two, and the drenched
and heavy sails flapped.

" Up with the helm. Mat!" cried Oswald, as a
near flash of lightning for a moment blinded, and the
accompanying peal of thunder deafened, those on deck.
Again the wind blew strong — it ceased, and it was
a dead calm. The sails hung down from the yards,
and the rain descended in perpendicular torrents,
while the ship rocked to and fro in the trough of
the sea, and the darkness became suddenly intense.

" Down, there, one of you! and call the captain,"
said Oswald. ^' By the Lord I we shall have it. Main
braces there, men, and square the yards. Be smart !
That topsail should have been in," muttered the mate ;
*' but I'm not captain. . Square away the yards, my

24 THE GALE.

lads !" continued he ; " quick, quick ! — there's no
child's play here!"

Owing to the difficulty of finding and passing the
ropes to each other, from the intensity of the darkness,
and the deluge of rain which blinded them, the men
were not able to execute the order of the mate so soon
as it was necessary ; and, before they could accomplish
their task, or Captain Ingram could gain the deck,
the wind suddenly burst upon the devoted vessel
from the quarter directly opposite to that from which
the gale had blown, taking her all a-back, and
throwing her on her beam-ends. The man at the
helm was hurled over the wheel ; while the rest, who
were with Oswald at the main bits, with the coils of
ropes and every other article on deck not secured,
were rolled into the scuppers, struggling to extricate
themselves from the mass of confusion and the water
in which they floundered. The sudden revulsion awoke
all the men below, who imagined that the ship was
foundering ; and, from the only hatchway not secured,
they poured up in their shirts, with their other gar-
ments in their hands, to put them on — if fate per-
mitted.

Oswald Bareth was the first who clambered up
from to leeward. He gained the helm, which he put
hard up. Captain Ingram and some of the seamen
also gained the helm. It is the rendezvous of all
good seamen in emergencies of this description : but
the howling of the gale — the blinding of the rain and
salt spray — the seas checked in their running by the
shift of wind, and breaking over the ship in vast masses

THE GALE. 25

of water — the tremendous peals of thunder — and the
intense darkness which accompanied these horrors,
added to the inclined position of the vessel, which
obliged them to climb from one part of the deck to
another, for some time checked all profitable commu-
nication. Their only friend, in this conflict of the
elements, was the lightning (unhappy, indeed, the
situation in which lightning can be welcomed as a
friend) ; but its vivid and forked flames, darting down
upon every quarter of the horizon, enabled them to
perceive their situation : and, awful as it was, when
momentarily presented to their sight, it was not so
awful as darkness and uncertainty. To those who
have been accustomed to the difficulties and dangers
of a sea-faring life, there are no lines which speak
more forcibly to the imagination, or prove the beauty
and power of the Greek poet, than those in the noble
prayer of Ajax :

" Lord of earth and air,
O king ! O father ! hear my humble prayer.
Dispel this cloud, the light of heaven restore;
Give me to see — and Ajax asks no more.
If Greece must perish — we thy will obey :
But let us perish in the face of day T^

Oswald gave the helm to two of the seamen, and
with his knife cut adrift the axes, which were lashed
round the mizen-mast in painted canvass covers. One
he retained for himself, — the others he put into the
hands of the boatswain and the second mate. To speak
so as to be heard was almost impossible, from the

26 THE GALE.

tremendous roaring of the wind ; but the lamp still burned
in the bittacle, and, by its feeble light, Captain Ingram
could distinguish the signs made by the mate, and
could give his consent. It was necessary that the ship
should be put before the wind, and the helm had no
power over her. In a short time the lanyards of the
mizen rigging were severed, and the mizen-mast went
over the side, almost unperceived by the crew on the
other parts of the deck, or even those near, had it
not been from blows received by those who were too
close to it, from the falling of the topsail-sheets and
the rigging about the mast.

Oswald, with his companions, regained the bittacle,
and for some little while watched the compass. The
ship did not pay off, and appeared to settle down more
into the water. Again Oswald made his signs, and
again the captain gave his assent. Forward sprang
the undaunted mate, clinging to the bulwark and
belaying-pins, and followed by his hardy companions,
until they had all three gained the main-channels.
Here, their exposure to the force of the breaking
waves, and the stoutness of the ropes yielding but
slowly to the blows of the axes, which were used
almost under water, rendered the service one of ex-
treme difficulty and danger. The boatswain was
washed over the bulwark and dashed to leeward,
where the lee-rigging only saved him from a watery
grave. Unsubdued, he again climbed up to wind-
ward, rejoined and assisted his companions. The last
blow was given by Oswald — the lanyards flew through
the dead-eyes — and the tall mast disappeared in the

THE GALE. 27

foaming seas. Oswald and his companions hastened
from their dangerous position, and rejoined the cap-
tain, who, with many of the crew, still remained near
the wheel. The ship now slowly paid off and righted.
In a few minutes she was flying hefore the gale, rolling
heavily, and occasionally striking upon the wrecks of
the masts, which she towed with her by the lee-
rigging.

Although the wind blew with as much violence as
before, still it was not with the same noise, now that
the ship was before the wind with her after-masts
gone. The next service was to clear the ship of the
wrecks of the masts ; but, although all now assisted,
but little could be effected until the day had dawned,
and even then it was a service of danger, as the ship
rolled gunwale under. Those who performed the
duty were slung in ropes, that they might not be
washed away ; and hardly was it completed, when
a heavy roll, assisted by a jerking heave from a sea
which struck her on the chess-tree, sent the foremast
over the starboard cat-head. Thus was the Circassian
dismasted in the gale.

28

CHAPTER IV.

THE LEAK.

The wreck of the foremast was cleared from the ship ;
the gale continued ; but the sun shone brightly and
w^armly. The Circassian was again brought to the wind.
All danger was now considered to be over, and the
seamen joked and laughed as they were busied in
preparing jury-masts, to enable them to reach their
destined port.

" I wouldn't have cared so much about this spree,"
said the boatswain, " if it warn't for the mainmast;
it was such a beauty. There's not another stick to
be found equal to it in the whole length of the
Mississippi."

*' Bah ! man," replied Oswald, *^ there's as good
fish in the sea as ever came out of it, and as good
sticks growing as ever were felled ; but I guess we'll
pay pretty dear for our spars when we get to Liverpool
— but that concerns the owners."

The wind, which, at the time of its sudden change
to the southward and eastward, had blown with the
force of a hurricane, now settled into a regular strong
gale, such as sailors are prepared to meet and laugh
at. The sky was also bright and clear, and they had

THE LEAK. 29

not the danger of a lee shore. It was a delightful
change after a night of darkness, danger, and con-
fusion ; and the men worked that they might get
sufficient sail on the ship to steady her, and enable
them to shape a course.

" I suppose, now that we have the trysail on her
forward, the captain will be for running for it,"
observed one who was busy turning in a dead-eye.

" Yes," replied the boatswain ; ** and with this
wind on our quarter we shan't want much sail, I've
a notion."

" Well, then, one advantage in losing your masts —
you havn't much trouble about the rigging."

*' Trouble enough, though, Bill, when we get in,"
replied another, gruffly : " new lower rigging to parcel
and sarve, and every block to turn in afresh."

" Never mind, longer in port — I'll get spliced."

'* Why, how often do you mean to get spliced.
Bill? you've a wife in every State, to my sartain
knowledge."

*' I arn't got one at Liverpool, Jack,"

" Well, you may take one there, Bill ; for you've
been sweet upon that nigger girl for these last three
weeks."

" Any port in a storm, but she won't do for har-
bour duty : but the fact is, you're all wrong there,
Jack. It's the babbies I likes — I likes to see them
both together hanging at the nigger's breasts. I
always thinks of two spider monkeys nursing two
kittens."

" I knows the women, but I never knows the

30 THE LEAK,

children. It's just six of one and half-a-dozen of the
other, an't it, Bill?."

" Yes ; like two bright bullets out of the same
mould : I say, Bill, did any of your wives ever have
twins ?'*

*^ No; nor I don't intend, until the owners give
us double pay."

*^ By the by," interrupted Oswald, who had been
standing under the weather bulk-head, listening to the
conversation, and watching the work in progress, ** we
may just as well see if she has made any water with
all this straining and buffeting. By the Lord ! I never
thought of that. Carpenter, lay down your adze and
sound the well."

The carpenter, who, notwithstanding the uneasiness
of the dismasted vessel, was performing his important
share of the work, immediately complied with the
order. He drew up the rope-yarn, to which an iron
rule had been suspended, and lowered down into the
pump-well, and perceived that the water was dripping
from it. Imagining that it must have been wet from
the quantity of water shipped over all, the carpenter
disengaged the rope-yarn from the rule, drew another
from the junk lying on the deck, which the seamen
were working up, and then carefully proceeded to
plumb the well. He hauled it up, and, looking at it
for some moments aghast, exclaimed " Seven feet water
in the hold, by G — d ! "

If the crew of the Circassian, the whole of which
were on deck, had been struck with an electric shock,
the sudden change in their countenances could not

THE LEAK. 31

have been greater than was produced by this appalling
intelligence.

Heap upon sailors every disaster, every danger
which can be accumulated from the waves, the wind,
the elements, or the enemy, and they will bear up
against them with a courage amounting to heroism.
All they demand is, that the one plank " between
them and death" is sound, and they will trust to their
own energies, and will be confident in their own skill ;
but spring a leak, and they are half paralysed ; and if
it gain upon them they are subdued; for when they
find that their exertions are futile, they are little better
than children.

Oswald sprang to the pumps, when he heard the
carpenter's report. " Try again, Abel — it cannot be :
cut away that line; hand us here a dry rope-yarn."

Once more the well was sounded by Oswald, and
the results were the same. ** We must rig the pumps,
my lads," said the mate, endeavouring to conceal his
own fears ; " half this water must have found its way
in her when she was on her beam-ends."

This idea, so judiciously thrown out, was caught
at by the seamen, who hastened to obey the order,
while Oswald went down to acquaint the captain, who,
worn out with watching and fatigue, had, now that
danger was considered to be over, thrown himself into
his cot to obtain a few hours' repose.

" Do you think, Bareth, that we have sprung a
leak ?" said the captain, earnestly ; " she never could
have taken in that quantity of water."

** Never, sir," replied the mate; " but she has-

32

THE LEAK.

been so strained that she may have opened her top-
sides. I trust it is no worse."

" What is your opinion then ?"

" I am afraid that the wreck of the masts have
injured her: you may recollect how often we struck
against them before we could clear ourselves of them ;
once, particularly, the main-mast appeared to be right
under her bottom, I recollect, and she struck very heavy

" Well, it is God's will : let us get on deck as
fast as we can.'*

When they arrived on deck, the carpenter walked
up to the captain, and quietly said to him, " Seven feet
three^ sir." The pumps were then in full action ; the
men had divided, by the directions of the boatswain,
and, stripped naked to the waist, relieved each other
every two minutes. For half an hour they laboured
incessantly.

This was the half-hour of suspense : the great point
to be ascertained was, whether she leaked through the
top-sides, and had taken in the water during the
second gale ; if so, there was every hope of keeping it
under. Captain Ingram and the mate remained in
silence near the capstern, the former with his watch in
his hand, during the time that the sailors exerted them-
selves to the utmost. It was ten minutes past seven
when the half hour had expired ; the well was sounded,
and the line carefully measured — seven feet six inches!
So that the water had gained upon them notwithstand-
ing they had plied the pumps to the utmost of their
strength.

THE LEAK. 33

A mute look of despair was exchanged among the
crew, but it was followed up by curses and execrations.
Captain Ingram remained silent, with his lips com-
pressed.

" It*s all over with us ! " exclaimed one of the
men.

" Not yet, my lads; we have one more chance,"
said Oswald ; " I've a notion that the ship's sides have
been opened by the infernal straining of last night, and
that she is now taking it in at the top-sides generally :
if so, we have only to put her before the wind again,
and have another good spell at the pumps. When no
longer strained, as she is now with her broadside to
the sea, she will close all up again."

'^ I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Bareth is not right," re-
plied the carpenter; " however, that's my notion too."

" And mine," added Captain Ingram. " Come,
my men! never say die while there's a shot in the
locker. Let's try her again." And, to encourage the
men, Captain Ingram threw off his coat and assisted at
the first spell, while Oswald went to the helm and put
the ship before the wind.

As the Circassian rolled before the gale, the lazy
manner in which she righted proved how much water
there was in the hold. The seamen exerted themselves
for a whole hour without intermission, and the well
was again sounded — eight feet !

The men did not assert that they would pump no
longer ; but they too plainly shewed their intentions by
each resuming in silence his shirt and jacket, which he
had taken off at the commencement of his exertions.

34

THE LEAK.

" What's to be done, Oswald?" said Captain Ingram,
as they walked aft. " You see the men will pump no
longer ; nor, indeed, would it be of any use. We are
doomed."

" The Circassian is, sir, I am afraid," replied the
mate: '^ pumping is of no avail; they could not keep
her afloat till day-break. We must, therefore, trust to
our boats, which I believe to be all sound, and quit her
before night."

" Crowded boats in such a sea as this!" replied
Captain Ingram, shaking his head mournfully —

" Are bad enough, I grant; but better than the sea
itself. All we can do now is to try and keep the men
sober, and if we can do so it will be better than to
fatigue them uselessly ; they'll want all their strength
before they put foot again upon dry land — if ever they
are so fortunate. Shall I speak to them ?'*

'^ Do, Oswald," replied the captain ; "for myself I
care little, God knows ; but my wife — my children !"

*' My lads," said Oswald, going forward to the men,
who had waited in moody silence the result of the
conference — " as for pumping any longer it would be
only wearing out your strength for no good. We must
now look to our boats ; and a good boat is better than
a bad ship. Still, this gale and cross-running sea are
rather too much for boats at present ; we had therefore
better stick to the ship as long as we can. Let us set
to with a will and get the boats ready, with provisions,
water, and what else may be needful, and then we must
trust to God's mercy and our own endeavours."

" No boat can stand this sea," observed one of the

THE LEAK. 35

men ; " I'm of opinion, as it's to be a short life, it may
as well be a merry one. What d'ye say, my lads'?"
continued he, appealing to the men.

Several of the crew were of the same opinion : but
Oswald, stepping forward, seized one of the axes which
lay at the main-bitts, and going up to the seaman who
had spoken, looked him steadfastly in the face ; —

" Williams," said the mate, " a short life it may
be to all of us, but not a merry one ; the meaning of
which I understand very well. Sorry I shall be to
have your blood, or that of others, on my hands ; but,
as sure as there's a heaven, I'll cleave to the shoulder
the first man who attempts to break into the spirit-
room. You know I never joke. Shame upon you !
Do you call yourselves men, when, for the sake of a
little liquor now, you would lose your only chance
of getting drunk every day, as soon as we get on shore
again ? There's a time for all things ; and I've a
notion this is a time to be sober."

As most of the crew sided with Oswald, the weaker
party were obliged to submit, and the preparations
were commenced. The two boats on the booms were
found to be in good condition. One party was em-
ployed cutting away the bulwarks, that the boats might
be launched over the side, as there were no means
of hoisting them out. The well was again sounded.
Nine feet water in the hold, and the ship evidently
settling fast. Two hours had now passed, and the
gale was not so violent ; the sea, also, which, at the
change of wind, had been cross, appeared to have
recovered its regular run. All was ready ; the sailors,

36 THE LEAK.

once at work again, had, in some measure, recovered
their spirits, and were buoyed up with fresh hopes at
the slight change in their favour from the decrease
of the wind. The two boats were quite large enough
to contain the whole of the crew and passengers ; but,
as the sailors said among themselves (proving the
kindness of their hearts), *' What was to become of
those two poor babbies, in an open boat for days and
nights, perhaps ? " Captain Ingram had gone down
to Mrs. Templemore, to impart to her their melan-
choly prospects ; and the mother's heart, as well as
the mother's voice, echoed the words of the seamen,
" What will become of my poor babes?"

It was not till nearly six o'clock in the evening
that all was ready: the ship was slowly brought to
the wind again, and the boats launched over the
side. By this time the gale was much abated; but
the vessel was full of water, and was expected soon
to go down.

There is no time in which coolness and determin-
ation are more required than in a situation like the
one which we have attempted to describe. It is
impossible to know the precise moment at which a
water-logged vessel, in a heavy sea, may go down ;
and its occupants are in a state of mental fever, with
the idea of their remaining in her so late that she
will suddenly submerge, and leave them to struggle
in the wave. This feeling actuated many of the crew
of the Circassian, and they had already retreated to
the boats. All was arranged; Oswald had charge of
one boat, and it was agreed that the larger should

THE LEAK. 37

receive Mrs. Templemore and her children, under the
protection of Captain Ingram. The number appointed
to Oswald's boat being completed, he shoved off, to
make room for the other, and laid to to leeward,
waiting to keep company. Mrs. Templemore came
up with Captain Ingram, and was assisted by him
into the boat. The nurse, with one child, was at last
placed by her side ; Coco was leading Judy, the other
nurse, with the remaining infant in her arms, and
Captain Ingram, who had been obliged to go into the
boat with the first child, was about to return to
assist Judy with the other, when the ship gave a
heavy pitch, and her forecastle was buried in the
wave ; at the same time the gunwale of the boat was
stove by coming in contact with the side of the vessel.
'' She's down, by God !" exclaimed the alarmed seamen
in the boat ; shoving off to escape from the vortex.

Captain Ingram, who was standing on the boat's
thwarts to assist Judy, was thrown back into the bot-
tom of the boat ; and, before he could extricate him-
self, the boat was separated from the ship, and had
drifted to leeward.

" My child !" screamed the mother ; " my child !"

" Pull to again, my lads !" cried Captain Ingram,
seizing the tiller.

The men, who had been alarmed at the idea that
the ship was going down, now that they saw that she
was still afloat, got out the oars and attempted to
regain her, but in vain — they could not make head
against the sea and wind. Further and further did
they drift to leeward, notwithstanding their exertions ;

38 THE LEAK.

while tlie frantic mother extended her arms, imploring
and entreating. Captain Ingram, who had stimu-
lated the sailors to the utmost, perceived that further
attempts were useless.

** My child! my child!" screamed Mrs. Temple-
more, standing up, and holding out her arms towards
the vessel. At a sign from the captain, the head of
the boat was veered round. The bereaved mother
knew that all hope was gone, and she fell down in a
state of insensibility.

39

CHAPTER V.

THE OLD MAID.

One morning, shortly after the disasters which we
have described, Mr. Witherington descended to his
breakfast-room somewhat earlier than usual, and found
his green morocco easy-chair already tenanted by no
less a personage than William, the footman, who, with
his feet on the fender, was so attentively reading the
newspaper that he did not hear his master's entrance.
" By my ancestor, who fought on his stumps ! but I
hope you are quite comfortable, Mr. William ; nay, I
beg I may not disturb you, sir."

William, although as impudent as most of his fra-
ternity, was a little taken aback : " I beg your pardon,
sir, but Mr. Jonathan had not time to look over the
paper."

" Nor is it required that he should, that I know of,
sir.

" Mr. Jonathan says, sir, that it is always right to
look over the deaths, that news of that kind may not
shock you."

" Very considerate, indeed !"

*' And there is a story there, sir, about a shipwreck."

*' A shipwreck ! where, William? God bless me!
where is it ? "

40 THE OLD MAID.

" I am afraid it is the same ship you are so anxious

about, sir, — the ; I forget the name, sir."

Mr. Witherington took the newspaper, and his eye
soon caught the paragraph in which the rescue of the
two negroes and child from the wreck of the Circassian
was fully detailed.

*' It is, indeed!" exclaimed Mr. Witherington ; " my
poor Cecilia in an open boat ! one of the boats was seen
to go down, — perhaps she's dead — merciful God ! one
boy saved. Mercy on me! where's Jonathan ?"

" Here, sir," replied Jonathan, very solemnly, who
had just brought in the eggs, and now stood erect as
a mute behind his master's chair, for it was a case of
danger, if not of death.

" I must go to Portsmouth immediately after break-
fast — shan't eat though — appetite all gone."

" People seldom do, sir, on these melancholy occa-
sions," replied Jonathan ; " will you take your own
carriage, sir, or a mourning coach ?"

" A mourning coach at fourteen miles an hour,
with two pair of horses ! Jonathan, you're crazy."

" Will you please to have black silk hatbands and
gloves for the coachman and servants who attend you,
sir?"

'* Confound your shop! no; this is a resurrection,
not a death : it appears that the negro thinks only one
of the boats went down."

*' Mors omnia vincit,'' quoth Jonathan, casting up
his eyes.

*' Never you mind that; mind your own business.
That's the postman's knock — see if there are any letters."

THE OLD MAID. 41

There were several ; and, amongst the others, there
was one from Captain Maxwell, of the Eurydice,
detailing the circumstances already known, and in-
forming Mr. Witherington that he had despatched the
two negroes and the child to his address hy that day's
coach, and that one of the officers, who was going to
town hy the same conveyance, would see them safe to
his house.

Captain Maxwell was an old acquaintance of Mr.
Witherington — had dined at his house in company
with the Templemores, and therefore had extracted
quite enough information from the negroes to know
where to direct them.

" By the blood of my ancestors ! they'll be here
to-night," cried Mr. Witherington; " and I have saved
my journey. What is to be done? better tell Mary
to get rooms ready : d'ye hear, William ? beds for one
little boy and two niggers.''

*' Yes, sir," replied William; ^' but where are the
black people to be put?"

*' Put! I don't care; one may sleep with cook, the
other with Mary."

a Very well, sir, I'll tell them," replied William,
hastening away, delighted at the row which he antici-
pated in the kitchen.

*^ If you please, sir," observed Jonathan, '' one of
the negroes is, I believe, a man."

" Well, what then ?"

" Only, sir, the maids may object to sleep with
him."

" By all the plagues of the Witheringtons ! that is

42 THE OLD MAID.

true; well, you may take him, Jonathan — you like
that colour."

" Not in the dark, sir," replied Jonathan, with a
bow.

" Well, then, let them sleep together : so, that affair
is settled."

*' Are they man and wife, sir?" said the butler.

" The devil take them both ! how should I know ?
let me have my breakfast, and we'll talk over the mat-
ter by and by."

Mr. Witherington applied to his eggs and muffin,
eating his breakfast as fast as he could, without know-
ing why ; but the reason was that he was puzzled and
perplexed with the anticipated arrival, and longed to
think quietly over the dilemma, for it was a dilemma
to an old bachelor. As soon as he had swallowed his
second cup of tea he put himself into his easy-chair,
in an easy attitude, and was very soon soliloquising as
follows : —

*' By the blood of the Witheringtons ! what am I,
an old bachelor, to do with a baby and a wetnurse as
black as the ace of spades, and another black fellow
in the bargain? Send him back again? yes, that's
best : but the child — woke every morning at five o'clock
with its squalling — obliged to kiss it three times a
day — pleasant! — and then that nigger of a nurse —
thick lips — kissing child all day, and then holding it
out to me — io-norant as a cow — if child has the
stomach-ache she'll cram a pepper-pod down its throat
— West India fashion — children never without the
stomach-ache — my poor, poor cousin ! — what has be-

THE OLD MAID. 43

come of her and the other child, too ? — wish they may
pick her up, poor dear ! and then she will come and
take care of her own children — don't know what to
do — great mind to send for sister Moggy — but she's
so fussy — wont be in a hurry. Think again.'*

Here Mr. Witherington was interrupted by two
taps at the door.

" Come in," said he ; and the cook, with her
face as red as if she had been dressing a dinner for
eighteen, made her appearance without the usual clean
apron.

" If you please, sir," said she, curtseying, ^' I will
thank you to suit yourself with another cook."

" Oh, very well," replied Mr. Witherington, angry
at the interruption.

'' And, if you please, sir, I should like to go this
very day — indeed, sir, I shall not stay.'*

*' Go to the devil ! if you please," replied Mr.
Witherington, angrily ;] " but first go out and shut
the door after you."

The cook retired, and Mr. Witherington was again
alone.

" Confound the old woman — what a huff she is
in! won't cook for black people, I suppose — yes,
that's it."

Here Mr. Witherington was again interrupted by a
second double tap at the door.

'* Oh! thought better of it, I suppose. Come in."

It was not the cook, but Mary, the housemaid, that
entered .

44 THE OLD MAID.

" If you please, sir," said she, whimpering, " I
should wish to leave my situation."

" A conspiracy, by heavens ! Well, you may go."

" To-night, sir, if you please," answered the woman.

" This moment, for all I care!" exclaimed Mr.
Witherington in his wrath.

The housemaid retired ; and Mr. Witherington took
some time to compose himself.

*' Servants all going to the devil in this country,'*
said he at last; "proud fools — won't clean rooms
after black people, I suppose — yes, that's it — confound
them all, black and white ! here's my whole establish-
ment upset by the arrival of a baby — well, it is very
uncomfortable — what shall I do? — send for sister
Moggy? — no, I'll send for Jonathan."

Mr. Witherington rang the bell, and Jonathan
made his appearance.

"What is all this, Jonathan?" said he; "cook
angry — Mary crying — both going away — what's it
all about?"

" Why, sir, they were told by William that it was
your positive order that the two black people were to
sleep with them ; and I believe he told Mary that the
man was to sleep with her."

"Confound that fellow! he's always at mischief;
you know, Jonathan, I never meant that."

" I thought not, sir, as it is quite contrary to
custom," replied Jonathan.

" Well, then, tell them so, and let's hear no more
about it."

THE OLD MAID. 45

Mr. Witherington then entered into a consultation
with his butler, and acceded to the arrangements pro-
posed by him. The parties arrived in due time, and
were properly accommodated. Master Edward was
not troubled with the stomach-ache, neither did he
wake Mr. Witherington at five o'clock in the morn-
ing ; and, after all, it was not so very uncomfortable.
But, although things were not quite so uncomfortable
as Mr. Witherington had anticipated, still they were
not comfortable ; and Mr. Witherington was so an-
noyed by continual skirmishes between his servants,
complaints from Judy, in bad English, of the cook,
who, it must be owned, had taken a prejudice
against her and Coco, occasional illness of the child,
et cetera, that he found his house no longer quiet and
peaceable. Three months had now nearly passed, and
no tidings of the boats had been received ; and Captain
Maxwell, who came up to see Mr. Witherington, gave
it as his decided opinion that they must have foundered
in the gale. As, therefore, there appeared to be no
chance of Mrs. Templemore coming to take care of
her child, Mr. Witherington at last resolved to write
to Bath, where his sister resided, and acquaint her
with the whole story, requesting her to come and
superintend his domestic concerns. A few days after-
wards he received the following reply :

" Bath, August.
" My dear Brother Antony,

" Your letter arrived safe to hand on Wednesday

last, and I must say that I was not a little surprised at

its contents; indeed, I thought so much about it that I

46 THE OLD MAID.

revoked at Lady Betty Blabkin's whist-party, and lost four
shillings and sixpence. You say that you have a child at
your house belonging to your cousin, who married in so
indecorous a manner. I hope what you say is true : but,
at the same time, I know what bachelors are guilty of;
although, as Lady Betty says, it is better never to talk or
even to hint about these improper things. I cannot imagine
why men should consider themselves, in an unmarried state,
as absolved from that purity which maidens are so careful
to preserve ; and so says Lady Betty, with whom I had a
little conversation on the subject. As, however, the thing
is done, she agrees with me that it is better to hush it up
as well as we can.

" I presume that you do not intend to make the child
your heir, which I should consider as highly improper;
and, indeed, Lady Betty tells me that the legacy-duty is
ten per cent, and that it cannot be avoided. However,
I make it a rule never to talk about these sort of thing-s.
As for your request that I will come up and superintend
your establishment, I have advised with Lady Betty on the
subject, and she agrees with me that, for the honour of the
family, it is better that I should come, as it will save appear-
ances. You are in a peck of troubles, as most men are
who are free-livers, and are led astray by artful and alluring
females. However, as Lady Betty says, * the least said the
soonest mended.'

" I will, therefore, make the necessary arrangements for
letting my house, and hope to join you in about ten days ;
sooner I cannot, as I find that my engagements extend to
that period. Many questions have already been put to me
on this unpleasant subject ; but I always give but one
answer, which is, that bachelors will be bachelors; and

THE OLD MAID. 47

that, at all events, it is not so bad as if you were a married

man ; for I make it a rule never to talk about, or even to

hint about these sort of things, for, as Lady Betty says,

* Men will get into scrapes, and the sooner things are hushed

up the better.' So no more at present from your affectionate

sister,

*' Margaret Witherington."

" P.S. — Lady Betty and I both agree that you are very

right in hiring two black people to bring the child into your

house, as it makes the thing look foreign to the neighbours,

and we can keep our own secrets.

" M. W."

'* Now, by all the sins of the Witheringtons, if this
is not enough to drive a man out of his senses ! — Con-
found the suspicious old maid ! — I'll not let her come
into this house. Confound Lady Betty, and all scan-
dal-loving old tabbies like her ! Bless me !" continued
Mr. Witherington, throvs^ing the letter on the table,
with a deep sigh, '^ this is any thing but comfortable."

But if Mr. Witherington found it any thing but
comfortable at the commencement, he found it un-
bearable in the sequel.

His sister Moggy arrived, and installed herself in
the house with all the pomp and protecting air of one
who was the saviour of her brother's reputation and
character. When the child was first brought down
to her, instead of perceiving at once its likeness to
Mr. Templemore, which was very strong, she looked
at it and at her brother's face with her only eye, and,
shaking her finger, exclaimed —

48 THE OLD MAID.

" Oh, Antony ! Antony ! and did you expect to
deceive me? — the nose — the mouth exact — Antony,
for shame ! fie, for shame ! "

But we must hurry over the misery that Mr.
Witherington's kindness and benevolence brought upon
him. Not a day passed — scarcely an hour, without
his ears being galled with his sister's insinuations.
Judy and Coco were sent back to America ; the ser-
vants, who had remained so long in his service, gave
warning one by one, and, afterwards, were changed as
often almost as there was a change in the moon. She
ruled the house and her brother despotically ; and all
poor Mr. Witherington's comfort was gone until the
time arrived when Master Edward was to be sent to
school. Mr. Witherington then plucked up courage;
and, after a few stormy months, drove his sister back
to Bath, and once more found himself comfortable.

Edward came home during the holidays, and was
a great favourite; but the idea had become current
that he was the son of the old gentleman, and the
remarks made were so unpleasant and grating to him,
that he was not sorry, much as he was attached to
the boy, when he declared his intention to choose the
profession of a sailor.

Captain Maxwell introduced him into the service ;
and afterwards, when, in consequence of ill health and
exhaustion, he was himself obliged to leave it for a
time, he procured for his protege other ships. We
must, therefore, allow some years to pass away, during
which time Edward Templemore pursues his career —
Mr. Witherington grows older and more particular.

THE OLD MAID. 49

and his sister Moggy amuses herself with Lady Betty's
remarks, and her darling game of whist.

During all this period, no tidings of the boats, or
of Mrs. Templemore and her infant, had been heard ;
it was therefore naturally conjectured that they had
all perished, and they were remembered but as things
that had been.

50

CHAPTER VL

THE MIDSHIPMAN.

The weather side of the quarter-deck of H.M. frigate
Unicorn was occupied by two very great personages :
Captain Plumbton, commanding the ship ; who was
very great in width if not in height, taking much more
than his allowance of the deck, if it were not that
he was the proprietor thereof, and entitled to the lion's
share. Captain P. was not more than four feet ten
inches in height ; but then he was equal to that in
girt : there was quite enough of him, if he had only
been rolled out. He walked with his coat flying open,
his thumbs stuck into the arm-holes of his waistcoat,
so as to throw his shoulders back and increase his
horizontal dimensions. He also held his head well
aft, which threw his chest and stomach well forward.
He was the prototype of pomposity and good-nature,
and he strutted like an actor in a procession.

The other personage was the first-lieutenant, whom
nature had pleased to fashion in another mould. He
was as tall as the captain was short — as thin as his su-
perior was corpulent. His long, lanky legs were nearly
up to the captain's shoulders; and he bowed down
over the head of his superior, as if he were the crane
to hoist up, and the captain the bale of goods to be
hoisted. He carried his hands behind his back, with

THE MIDSHIPMAN. 51

two fingers twisted together; and his chief difficulty
appeared to be to reduce his own stride to the parrot
march of the captain. His features were sharp and
lean as was his body, and wore every appearance of a
cross-grained temper.

He had been making divers complaints of divers
persons, and the captain had hitherto appeared im-
perturbable. Captain Plumbton was an even-tem-
pered man, who was satisfied with a good dinner.
Lieutenant Markitall was an odd-tempered man, who
would quarrel with his bread and butter.

" Quite impossible, sir," continued the first-lieu-
tenant, " to carry on the duty without support."

This oracular observation, which, from the relative
forms of the two parties, descended as it were from
above, was replied to by the captain with a " Very
true."

" Then, sir, I presume you will not object to my
putting that man in the report for punishment."

" I'll think about it, Mr. Markitall." This, with
Captain Plumbton, was as much as to say, no.

" The young gentlemen, sir, I am sorry to say,
are very troublesome."

" Boys always are," replied the captain.

" Yes, sir ; but the duty must be carried on, and I
cannot do without them."

" Very true — midshipman are very useful.^'

" But I'm sorry to say, sir, that they are not. Now,
sir, there's Mr. Templemore; I can do nothing with
him — he does nothing but laugh."

" Laugh ! — Mr. Markitall, does he laugh at you?"

52 THE MIDSHIPMAN.

" Not exactly, sir ; but he laughs at every thing.
If I send him to the mast-head, he goes up laughing ;
if I call him down, he comes down laughing ; if I find
fault with him, he laughs the next minute : in fact,
sir, he does nothing but laugh. I should particularly
wish, sir, that you would speak to him, and see if any
interference on your part "

"Would make him cry — eh? better to laugh
than cry in this world. Does he never cry, Mr.
Markitall?"

" Yes, sir, and very unseasonably. The other day,
you may recollect, when you punished Wilson the
marine, whom I appointed to take care of his chest and
hammock, he was crying the whole time ; almost
tantamount — at least an indirect species of mutiny on
his part, as it implied "

" That the boy was sorry that his servant was
punished ; I never flog a man but I'm sorry myself,
Mr. Markitall."

" Well, I do not press the question of his crying —
that I might look over ; but his laughing, sir, I must
beg that you will take notice of that. Here he is,
sir, coming up the hatchway. Mr. Templemore, the
captain wishes to speak to you."

Now, the captain did not wish to speak to him,
but, forced upon him as it was by the first-lieutenant,
he could do no less. So Mr. Templemore touched his
hat, and stood before the captain, we regret to say,
with such a good-humoured, sly, confiding smirk on
his countenance, as at once established the proof of
the accusation, and the enormity of the offence.

THE MIDSHIPMAN. 53

*' So, sir," said Captain Plumbton, stopping in his
perambulation, and squaring his shoulders still more,
" I find that you laugh at the first-lieutenant."

*' I, sir?" replied the boy, the smirk expanding
into a broad grin.

" Yes, you, sir," said the first - lieutenant, now
drawing up to his full height ; " why, you're laughing
now, sir."

'^ I can't help it, sir — it's not my fault; and Fm
sure it's not yours, sir," added the boy, demurely.

"Are you aware, Edward — Mr. Templemore, I
mean — of the impropriety of disrespect to your superior
officer?"

" I never laughed at Mr. Markitall but once, sir,
that I can recollect, and that was when he tumbled
over the messenger."

" And why did you laugh at him then, sir."

" I always do laugh when any one tumbles down,"
replied the lad; " I can't help it, sir."

" Then, sir, I suppose you would laugh if you saw
me rolling in the lee scuppers," said the captain.

" Oh ! " replied the boy, no longer able to contain
himself, " I'm sure I should burst myself with laugh-
ing— I think I see you now, sir."

" Do you, indeed ! I'm very glad that you do not;
though I'm afraid, young gentleman, you stand con-
victed by your own confession."

" Yes, sir, of laughing, if that is any crime ; but
it's not in the articles of war."

" No, sir ; but disrespect is. You laugh when you
go to the mast-head."

54 THE MIDSHIPMAN.

" But I obey the order, sir, immediately — do I
not, Mr. Markitall?"

'^ Yes, sir, you obey the order ; but, at the same
time, your laughing proves that you do not mind the
punishment."

" No more I do, sir. I spend half my life at the
mast-head, and I'm used to it now."

'* But, Mr. Templemore, ought you not to feel
the disgrace of the punishment," inquired the captain,
severely.

" Yes, sir, if I felt that I deserved it I should. I
should not laugh, sir, if yon sent me to the mast-head,"
replied the boy, assuming a serious countenance.

'* You see, Mr. Markitall, that he can be grave,"
observed the captain.

" I've tried all I can to make him so, sir," replied
the first-lieutenant ; *' but I wish to ask Mr. Temple-
more what he means to imply by saying, ' when he
deserves it.' Does he mean to say that I have ever
punished him unjustly?"

*' Yes, sir," replied the boy boldly ; " five times
out of six, I am mast-headed for nothing — and that's
the reason why I do not mind it."

" For nothing, sir ! Do you call laughing nothing?"

" I pay every attention that I can to my duty, sir ; I
always obey your orders ; I try all I can to make you
pleased with me — but you are always punishing me."

" Yes, sir, for laughing, and, what is worse, making
the ship's company laugh."

** They ' haul and hold' just the same, sir — ^I think
they work all the better for being merry."

THE MIDSHIPMAN. 55

" And pray, sir, what business have you to think,"
replied the first-lieutenant, now very angry. *^ Captain
Plumbton, as this young gentleman thinks proper to
interfere with me and the discipline of the ship, I beg
you will see what effect your punishing may have upon
him."

" Mr. Templemore," said the captain, '' you are, in
the first place, too free in your speech, and, in the next
place, too fond of laughing. There is, Mr. Temple-
more, a time for all things — a time to be merry, and
a time to be serious. The quarter-deck is not the fit
place for mirth."

^' I'm sure the gangway is not," shrewdly interrupted
the boy.

" No — you are right, nor the gangway; but you
may laugh on the forecastle, and when below with your
messmates."

" No, sir, we may not ; Mr. Markitall always sends
out if he hears us laughing."

" Because, Mr. Templemore, you are always
laughing."

^^ I believe I am, sir ; and if it's wrong I'm sorry
to displease you, but I mean no disrespect. I laugh
in my sleep — I laugh when I awake — I laugh when
the sun shines — I always feel so happy; but although
you do mast-head me, Mr. Markitall, I should not
laugh, but be very sorry, if any misfortune happened
to you."

" I believe you would, boy — I do, indeed, Mr.
Markitall," said the captain.

" Well, sir," replied the first-lieutenant, " as Mr.

56 THE MIDSHIPMAN.

Templemore appears to be aware of his error, I do not
wish to press my complaint — I have only to request
that he will never laugh again."

"You hear, boy, what the first -lieutenant says;
it's very reasonable, and I beg I may hear no more
complaints. Mr. Markitall, let me know when the
foot of that foretopsail will be repaired — I should like
to shift it to-night."

Mr. Markitall went down under the half-deck to
make the inquiry.

" And, Edward," said Captain Plumbton, as soon
as the lieutenant was out of ear-shot, " I have a good
deal more to say to you upon this subject, but I have
no time now. So come and dine with me — at my
table, you know, I allow laughing in moderation."

The boy touched his hat, and with a grateful, happy
countenance, walked away.

We have introduced this little scene, that the reader
may form some idea of the character of Edward Temple-
more. He was indeed the soul of mirth, good-humour,
and kindly feelings towards others ; he even felt kindly
towards the first -lieutenant, who persecuted him for
his risible propensities. We do not say that the boy
was right in laughing at all times, or that the first-
lieutenant was wrong in attempting to check it. As
the captain said, there is a time for all things, and
Edward's laugh was not always seasonable ; but it
was his nature, and he could not help it. He was
joyous as the May morning ; and thus he continued
for years, laughing at every thing — pleased with
every body — almost universally liked — and his bold,

THE MIDSHIPMAN. 57

free, and happy spirit, unchecked by vicissitude or
hardship.

He served his time — was nearly turned back, when
he was passing his examination, for laughing, and then
went laughing to sea again — was in command of a
boat at the cutting-out of a French corv ette, and, when
on board, was so much amused by the little French
captain skipping about with his rapier, which proved
fatal to many, that, at last, he received a pink from the
little gentleman himself, which laid him on the deck.
For this affair, and in consideration of his wound, he
obtained his promotion to the rank of lieutenant — was
appointed to a line-of-battle ship in the West Indies —
laughed at the yellow fever — was appointed to the
tender of that ship, a fine schooner, and was sent to
cruise for prize-money for the admiral, and promotion
for himself, if he could, by any fortunate encounter, be
so lucky as to obtain it.

58

CHAPTER VII.

SLEEPER'S BAY.

On the western coast of Africa there is a small bay
which has received more than one name from its occa-
sional visitors. That by which it was designated by
the adventurous Portuguese, who first dared to cleave
the waves of the southern Atlantic, has been forgotten
with their lost maritime pre-eminence ; the name al-
lotted to it by the woolly-headed natives of the coast
has never, perhaps, been ascertained : it is, however,
marked down in some of the old English charts as
Sleeper's Bay.

The main-land which, by its curvature, has formed
this little dent on a coast possessing, and certainly at
present requiring, few harbours, displays, perhaps, the
least inviting of all prospects ; offering to the view
nothing but a shelving beach of dazzling white sand,
backed with a few small hummocks beat up by the
occasional fury of the Atlantic gales — arid, bare, and
without the slightest appearance of vegetable life.
The inland prospect is shrouded over by a dense
mirage, through which here and there are to be dis-
covered the stems of a few distant palm-trees, so
broken and disjoined by refraction that they present

\\^-.

sleeper's ba^y. 59

to the imagination any thing but the idea of foliage
or shade. The water in the bay is calm and smooth
as the polished mirror ; not the smallest ripple is
to be heard on the beach, to break through the
silence of nature; not a breath of air sweeps over its
glassy surface, which is heated with the intense rays
of a vertical noon-day sun, pouring down a withering
flood of light and heat ; not a sea-bird is to be discovered
wheeling on its flight, or balancing on its wing as it
pierces the deep with its searching eye, ready to dart
upon its prey. All is silence, solitude, and desolation,
save that occasionally may be seen the fin of some
huge shark, either sluggishly moving through the
heated element, or stationary in the torpor of the
mid-day heat. A site so sterile, so stagnant, so little
adapted to human life, cannot well be conceived, un-
less, by flying to extremes, we were to portray the
chilling blast, the transfixing cold, and " close-ribbed
ice," at the frozen poles.

At the entrance of this bay, in about three fathoms
water, heedless of the spring cable, which hung down
as a rope which had fallen overboard, there floated,
motionless as death, a vessel whose proportions would
have challenged the unanimous admiration of those
who could appreciate the merits of her build, had
she been anchored in the most frequented and busy
harbour of the universe. So beautiful were her
lines, that you might almost have imagined her a
created being that the ocean had been ordered to
receive, as if fashioned by the Divine Architect, to
add to the beauty and variety of his works ; for.

60 sleeper's bay.

from the huge leviathan to the smallest of the finny
tribe — from the towering albatross to the boding
peteral of the storm — where could be found, among the
winged or finned frequenters of the ocean, a form more
appropriate, more fitting, than this specimen of human
skill, whose beautiful model and elegant tapering spars
were now all that could be discovered to break the
meeting lines of the firmament and horizon of the
offing.

Alas ! she was fashioned, at the will of avarice, for
the aid of cruelty and injustice ; and now was even
more nefariously employed. She had been a slaver —
she was now the far-famed, still more dreaded, pirate-
schooner, the " Avenger."

Not a man-of-war which scoured the deep but had
her instructions relative to this vessel, which had been
so successful in her career of crime — not a trader in
any portion of the navigable globe but whose crew shud-
dered at the mention of her name, and the remem-
brance of the atrocities which had been practised by
her reckless crew. She had been every where — in
the east, the west, the north, and the south, leaving
a track behind her of rapine and of murder. There
she lay, in motionless beauty ; her low sides were
painted black, with one small, narrow riband of red —
her raking masts were clean scraped — her topmasts,
her cross-trees, caps, and even running -blocks, were
painted in pure white. Awnings were spread fore
and aft to protect the crew from the powerful rays
of the sun ; her ropes were hauled taut ; and in every
point she wore the appearance of being under the

sleeper's bay. 61

control of seamanship and strict discipline. Through
the clear smooth water her copper shone brightly ;
and, as you looked over her taffrail down into the
calm blue sea, you could plainly discover the sandy
bottom beneath her, and the anchor which then lay
under her counter. A small boat floated astern, the
weight of the rope which attached her appearing, in
the perfect calm, to draw her towards the schooner.

We must now go on board, and our first cause
of surprise will be the deception relative to the ton-
nage of the schooner, when viewed from a distance.
Instead of a small vessel of about ninety tons, we
discover that she is upwards of two hundred; that
her breadth of beam is enormous ; and that those spars
which appeared so light and elegant, are of unexpected
dimensions. . Her decks are of narrow fir planks,
without the least spring or rise ; her ropes are of
Manilla hemp, neatly secured to copper belaying-pins,
and coiled down on the deck, whose whiteness is well
contrasted with the bright green paint of her bul-
warks ; her capstern and binnacles are cased in fluted
mahogany, and ornamented with brass ; metal stan-
chions protect the skylights, and the bright muskets
are arranged in front of the mainmast, while the
boarding-pikes are lashed round the mainboom.

In the centre of the vessel, between the fore and
main masts, there is a long brass 32-pounder, fixed
upon a carriage, revolving in a circle, and so arranged
that in bad weather it can be lowered down and
housed ; while on each side of her decks are mounted
eight brass guns, of smaller calibre and of exquisite

62 sleeper's bay.

workmanship. Her build proves the skill of the
architect ; her fitting-out, a judgment in which naught
has been sacrificed to, although every thing has been
directed by, taste ; and her neatness and arrangement,
that, in the person of her commander, to the strictest
discipline there is united the practical knowledge of a
thorough seaman. How, indeed, otherwise could she
have so long continued her lawless yet successful career?
How could it have been possible to unite a crew of
miscreants, who feared nor God nor man, most of
whom had perpetrated foul murders, or had been
guilty of even blacker iniquities ? It was because he
who commanded the vessel was so superior as to find
in her no rivalry. Superior in talent, in knowledge
of his profession, in courage, and moreover in physical
strength — which in him was almost Herculean. Un-
fortunately, he was also superior to all in villany, in
cruelty, and contempt of all injunctions, moral and
Divine.

What had been the early life of this person was
but imperfectly known. It was undoubted that he
had received an excellent education, and it was said
that he was of an ancient border family, on the banks
of the Tweed ; by what chances he had become a
pirate — by what errors he had fallen from his station
in society, until he became an outcast, had never been
revealed ; it was only known that he had been some
years employed in the slave-trade, previous to his
seizing this vessel and commencing his reckless career.
The name by which he was known to the crew of the
pirate- vessel was ^' Cain," and well had he chosen

sleeper's bay. 63

this appellation ; for, had not his hand for more than
three years been against every man's, and every man's
hand against his? In person, he was above six feet
high, with a breadth of shoulders and of chest de-
noting the utmost of physical force which, perhaps,
has ever been allotted to man. His features would
have been handsome, had they not been scarred with
wounds; and, strange to say, his eye was mild, and
of a soft blue. His mouth was well formed, and his
teeth of a pearly white ; the hair of his head was
crisped and wavy, and his beard, which he wore, as
did every person composing the crew of the pirate,
covered the lower part of his face, in strong, waving,
and continued curls. The proportions of his body were
perfect ; but, from their vastness, they became almost
terrific. His costume was elegant, and well adapted
to his form : linen trousers, and untanned yellow
leather boots, such as are made at the Western Isles ;
a broad-striped cotton shirt ; a red Cashmere shawl
round his waist as a sash ; a vest embroidered in gold
tissue, with a jacket of dark velvet, and pendant gold
buttons, hanging over his left shoulder, after the
fashion of the Mediterranean seamen ; a round Turkish
skull-cap, handsomely embroidered ; a pair of pistols,
and a long knife in his sash, completed his attire.

The crew consisted in all of 165 men, of almost
every nation; but it was to be remarked, that all
those in authority were either Englishmen or from the
northern countries : the others were chiefly Spaniards
and Maltese. Still there were Portuguese, Brazilians,
negroes, and others, who made up the complement,

64 sleeper's bay.

which, at the time we now speak, was increased by
twenty-five additional hands. These were Krournen,
a race of blacks well known at present, who inhabit
the coast near Cape Palmas, and are often employed
by our men-of-war stationed on the coast, to relieve
the English seamen from duties which would be too
severe to those who were not inured to the climate.
They are powerful, athletic men, good sailors, of a
happy, merry disposition, and, unlike other Africans,
will work hard. Fond of the English, they generally
speak the language sufficiently to be understood, and
are very glad to receive a baptism when they come
on board. The name first given them they usually
adhere to as long as they live ; and you will now on
the coast meet with a Blucher, a Wellington, a Nelson,
&c., who will wring swabs, or do any other of the
meanest description of work, without feeling that it
is discreditable to sponsorials so grand.

It is not to be supposed that these men had volun-
tarily come on board of the pirate ; they had been
employed in some British vessels, trading on the coast,
and had been taken out of them when the vessels
were burnt, and the Europeans of the crews murdered.
They had received a promise of reward, if they did
their duty ; but, not expecting it, they waited for the
earliest opportunity to make their escape.

The captain of the schooner is abaft, with his glass
in his hand, occasionally sweeping the offing in ex-
pectation of a vessel heaving in sight ; the officers
and crew are lying down, or lounging listlessly about
the decks, panting with the extreme heat, and impa-

sleeper's bay. 65

tiently waiting for the sea-breeze to fan their parched
foreheads. With their rough beards and exposed chests,
and their weather-beaten, fierce countenances, they
form a group which is terrible even in repose.

We must now descend into the cabin of the
schooner. The fittings-up of this apartment are
simple : on each side is a standing bed-place ; against
the after bulk-head is a large buffet, originally intended
for glass and china, but now loaded with silver and
gold vessels of every size and description, collected
by the pirate from the different ships which he had
plundered ; the lamps are also of silver, and evidently
had been intended to ornament the shrine of some
Catholic saint.

In this cabin there are two individuals to whom
we shall now direct the reader's attention. The one is
a pleasant- countenanced, good-humoured Krouman,
who had been christened " Pompey the Great;" most
probably on account of his large proportions. He
wears a pair of duck trousers ; the rest of his body is
naked, and presents a sleek, glossy skin, covering
muscles which an anatomist or a sculptor would have
viewed with admiration. The other is a youth of
eighteen, or thereabouts, with an intelligent, hand-
some countenance, evidently of European blood.
There is, however, an habitually mournful cast upon
his features : he is dressed much in the same way
as w^e have described the captain, but the costume
hangs more gracefully upon his slender, yet well-
formed limbs. He is seated on a sofa, fixed in the
fore part of the cabin, with a book in his hand, which

66 sleeper's bay.

occasionally he refers to, and then lifts his eyes from,
to watch the motions of the Krouman, who is busy in
the office of steward, arranging and cleaning the costly
articles in the buffet.

'' Massa Francisco, dis really fine ting ; " said
Pompey, holding up a splendidly embossed tankard,
which he had been rubbing.

" Yes," replied Francisco, gravely; " it is, indeed,
Pompey."

" How Captain Cain came by dis?"

Francisco shook his head ; and Pompey put his
finger up to his mouth, his eyes, full of meaning,
fixed upon Francisco.

At this moment the personage referred to was
heard descending the companion-ladder. Pompey
recommenced rubbing the silver, and Francisco drop-
ped his eyes upon the book.

What was the tie which appeared to bind the
captain to this lad was not known; but, as the lat-
ter had always accompanied, and lived altogether
with him, it was generally supposed that he was the
captain's son ; and he was as often designated by the
crew as young Cain, as he was by his Christian name
of Francisco. Still it was observed, that latterly they
had frequently been heard in altercation, and that the
captain was very suspicious of Francisco's movements.

" I beg I may not interrupt your conversation,"
said Cain, on entering the cabin ; " the information
you may obtain from a Krouman must be very im-
portant."

Francisco made no reply, but appeared to be read-

sleeper's bay. 67

ing his book. Cain's eyes passed from one to the other,
as if to read their thoughts.

^* Pray, what were you saying, Mr. Pompey ? "

" Me say, Massa captain? me only tell young
massa dis very fine ting; ask where you get him —
Massa Francisco no tell.''

" And what might it be to you, you black scoun-
drel?" cried the captain, seizing the goblet, and
striking the man with it a blow on the head which
flattened the vessel, and at the same time felled the
Krouman, powerful as he was, to the deck. The
blood streamed, as the man slowly rose, stupified and
trembling from the violent concussion. Without
saying a word, he staggered out of the cabin, and
Cain threw himself on one of the lockers in front
of the standing bed -place, saying, with a bitter smile,
" So much for your intimates, Francisco!"

" Rather, so much for your cruelty and injustice
towards an unoffending man," replied Francisco,
laying his book on the table. ^' His question was
an innocent one — for he knew not the particulars
connected with the obtaining of that flagon."

'^ And you, I presume, do not forget them ? Well,
be it so, young man; but I warn you again — as I
have warned you often — nothing but the remembrance
of your mother has prevented me, long before this,
from throwing your body to the sharks."

*' What influence my mother's memory may have
over you I know not; I only regret that, in any way,
she had the misfortune to be connected with you."

'^ She had the influence," replied Cain, " which

68 sleeper's bay.

a woman must have over a man v^^hen they have for
years swung in the same cot ; but that is wearing off
fast. I tell you so candidly : I will not allow even
her memory to check me, if 1 find you continue your
late course. You have shewn dissaffection before the
crew — you have disputed my orders — and I have
every reason to believe that you are now plotting
against me."

'* Can I do otherwise than shew my abhorrence,"
replied Francisco, ** when I witness such acts of
horror, of cruelty — cold-blooded cruelty, as lately
have been perpetrated 1 Why did you bring me here ?
and why do you now detain me ? All I ask is, that
you will allow me to leave the vessel. You are not
my father ; you have told me so."

" No, I am not your father ; but — you are your
mother's son."

" That gives you no right to have power over
me, even if you had been married to my mother;
which "

*^ I was not."

" I thank God ; for marriage with you would have
been even greater disgrace."

"What!" cried Cain, starting up, seizing the
young man by the neck, and lifting him off his seat
as if he had been a puppet ; " but no — I cannot
forget your mother." Cain released Francisco, and
resumed his seat on the locker.

" As you please," said Francisco, as soon as he
had recovered himself; " it matters little whether I
am brained by your own hand, or launched overboard

sleeper's bay. 69

as a meal for the sharks ; it will be but one more
murder."

** Mad fool! why do you tempt me thus?" replied
Cain, again starting up and hastily quitting the
cabin.

The altercation which we have just described was
not unheard on deck, as the doors of the cabin were
open, and the sky-light removed to admit the air.
The face of Cain was flushed as he ascended the
ladder. He perceived his chief mate standing by the
hatchway, and many of the men, who had been slum-
bering abaft, with their heads raised on their elbows,
as if they had been listening to the conversation
below.

" It will never do, sir," said Hawkhurst, the mate,
shaking his head.

" No," replied the captain; " not if he were my
own son. But what is to be done ? — he knows no
fear."

Hawkhurst pointed to the entering-port.

" When I ask your advice, you may give it," said
the captain, turning gloomily away.

In the meantime Francisco paced the cabin in
deep thought. Young as he was, he was indif-
ferent to death ; for he had no tie to render life
precious. He remembered his mother, but not her
demise; that had been concealed from him. At the
age of seven he had sailed with Cain in a slaver, and
had ever since continued with him. Until lately, he
had been led to suppose that the captain was his
father. During the years that he had been in the

70 sleeper's bay.

slave-trade, Cain had devoted much time to his educa-
tion : it so happened that the only book which could
be found on board of the vessel, when Cain first com-
menced teaching, was a Bible belonging to Francisco's
mother. Out of this book he learned to read ; and, as
his education advanced, other books were procured.
It may appear strange that the very traffic in which
his reputed father was engaged did not corrupt the
boy's mind ; but, accustomed to it from his infancy, he
had considered these negroes as another species, — an
idea fully warranted by the cruelty of the Europeans
towards them.

There are some dispositions so naturally kind and
ingenuous that even example and evil contact cannot
debase them : such was the disposition of Francisco.
As he gained in years and knowledge, he thought
more and more for himself, and had already become
disgusted with the cruelties practised upon the unfor-
tunate negroes, when the slave- vessel was seized upon
by Cain and converted into a pirate. At first, the
enormities committed had not been so great; vessels
had been seized and plundered, but life had been
spared. In the course of crime, however, the descent
is rapid : and as, from information given by those who
had been released, the schooner was more than once
in danger of being captured, latterly no lives had
been spared : and but too often the murders had been
attended with deeds even more atrocious.

Francisco had witnessed scenes of horror until his
young blood curdled : he had expostulated to save,
but in vain. Disgusted with the captain and the

sleeper's bay. 71

crew, and their deeds of cruelty, he had latterly ex-
pressed his opinions fearlessly, and defied the captain ;
for, in the heat of an altercation, Cain had acknow-
ledged that Francisco was not his son.

Had any of the crew or officers expressed but a
tithe of what had fallen from the bold lips of Fran-
cisco, they would have long before paid the forfeit of
their temerity ; but there was a feeling towards Fran-
cisco which could not be stifled in the breast of Cain —
it was the feeling of association and habit. The boy
had been his companion for years; and, from assue-
tude, had become, as it were, a part of himself. There
is a principle in our natures which, even when that
nature is most debased, will never leave us — that of
requiring something to love — something to protect and
watch over: it is shewn towards a dog, or any other
animal, if it cannot be lavished upon one of our own
species. Such was the feeling which so forcibly held
Cain towards Francisco ; such was the feeling which
had hitherto saved his life.

After having paced up and down for some time,
the youth took his seat on the locker which the captain
had (Quitted : his eye soon caught the head of Pompey,
who looked into the cabin and beckoned with his
finger.

Francisco rose, and, taking up a flagon from the
buffet which contained some spirits, walked to the
door, and, without saying a word, handed it to the
Krouman.

" Massa Francisco," whispered Pompey, " Pom-
pey say — all Krouman say — suppose they run away.

72 sleeper's bay.

you go too. Pompey say — all Krouman say — suppose
they try kill you ! Nebber kill you while one Krou-
man alive."

The negro then gently pushed Francisco back with
his hand, as if not wishing to hear his answer, and
hastened forward on the berth deck.

73

CHAPTER VIII.

THE ATTACK.

In the mean time the sea-breeze had risen in the
offing, and was sweeping along the surface to where
the schooner was at anchor. The captain ordered a
man to the cross-trees, directing him to keep a good
look-out, while he walked the deck in company with
his first mate.

" She may not have sailed until a day or two later,"
said the captain, continuing the conversation ; "I have
made allowance for that, and depend upon it, as she
makes the eastern passage we must soon fall in with
her; if she does not heave in sight this evening by
daylight, I shall stretch out in the offing : I know the
Portuguese well. The sea-breeze has caught our craft ;
let them run up the inner jib, and see that she does
not foul her anchor."

It was now late in the afternoon, and dinner had
been sent into the cabin ; the captain descended and
took his seat at the table with Francisco, who ate in
silence. Once or twice the captain, whose wrath had
subsided, and whose kindly feelings towards Fran-
cisco, checked for a time, had returned with greater
force, tried, but in vain, to rally him into conversa-

74 THE ATTACK.

tion, when " sail, ho /" was shouted from the mast-
head.

" There she is, by G — d !" cried the captain, jump-
ing from, and then, as if checking himself, immediately
resuming his seat.

Francisco put his hand to his forehead, covering
his eyes as his elbow leant upon the table.

" A large ship, sir; we can see down to the second
reef of her topsails," said Hawkhurst, looking down
the sky-light.

The captain hastily swallowed some wine from a
flagon, cast a look of scorn and anger upon Francisco,
and rushed on deck.

" Be smart, lads!" cried the captain, after a few
seconds' survey of the vessel through his glass ; " that's
her : furl the awnings, and run the anchor up to the
bows : there's more silver in that vessel, my lads, than
your chests will hold; and the good saints of the
churches at Goa will have to wait a little longer for
their gold candlesticks."

The crew were immediately on the alert ; the
awnings were furled, and all the men, stretching aft
the spring cable, walked the anchor up to the bows. In
two minutes more the Avenger was standing out on
the starboard tack, shaping her course so as to cut
off the ill-fated vessel. The breeze freshened, and the'
schooner darted through the smooth water with the
impetuosity of a dolphin after its prey. In an hour
the hull of the ship was plainly to be distinguished ;
but the sun was near to the horizon, and before they
could ascertain what her force might be, daylight had

THE ATTACK. 75

disappeared. Whether the schooner had been per-
ceived or not it was impossible to say ; at all events,
the course of the ship had not been altered, and if she
had seen the schooner, she evidently treated her Mviih
contempt. On board the Avenger they were not idle ;
the long gun in the centre had been cleared from the
incumbrances which surrounded it, the other guns had
been cast loose, shot handed up, and every thing pre-
pared for action, with all the energy and discipline of
a man-of-war. The chase had not been lost sight of,
and the eyes of the pirate-captain were fixed upon her
through a night-glass. In about an hour more the
schooner was within a mile of the ship, and now al-
tered her course so as to range up within a cable's
length of her to leeward. Cain stood upon the gun-
wale and hailed. The answer was in Portuguese.

" Heave to, or I'll sink you !" replied he in the
same language.

A general discharge from a broadside of carronades,
and a heavy volley of muskets from the Portuguese,
was the decided answer ; the broadside, too much
elevated to hit the low hull of the schooner, was still
not without effect — the foretop-mast fell, the jaws of
the main-gaff were severed, and a large proportion of
the standing, as well as the running-rigging, came
rattling down on her decks. The volley of musketry
was more fatal : thirteen of the pirates were wounded,
some of them severely.

" Well done ! John Portuguese,'' cried Hawkhurst ;
'^ by the holy poker! I never gave you credit for so
much pluck."

76 THE ATTACK.

*^ Which they shall pay dearly for," was the cool
reply of Cain, as he still remained in his exposed
situation.

*' Blood for blood ! if I drink it," observed the second
mate, as he looked at the crimson rivulet trickling
down the fingers of his left hand from a wound in his
arm — " just tie my handkerchief round this, Bill."

In the interim, Cain had desired his crew to elevate
their guns, and the broadside was returned.

** That will do, my lads : starboard ; ease off the
boom-sheet; let her go right round, Hawkhurst — we
cannot afford to lose our men."

The schooner wore round, and ran astern of her
opponent.

The Portuguese on board the ship, imagining that
the schooner, finding she had met with unexpected
resistance, had sheered off, gave a loud cheer.

'^ The last you will ever give, my fine fellows!"
observed Cain, with a sneer.

In a few moments the schooner had run a mile
astern of the ship.

" Now, then, Hawkhurst, let her come to and
about; man the long gun, and see that every shot is
pitched into her, while the rest of them get up a new
foretop-mast, and knot and splice the rigging."

The schooner's head was again turned towards the
ship; her position was right astern, about a mile dis-
tant, or rather more ; the long 32-pounder gun a-mid-
ships was now regularly served, every shot passing
through the cabin-windows, or some other part of the
ship's stern, raking her fore and aft. In vain did the

THE ATTACK. 77

ship alter her course, and present her broadside to the
schooner ; the latter was immediately checked in her
speed, so as to keep the prescribed distance at which
the carronades of the ship were useless, and the ex-
ecution from the long gun decisive. The ship was at
the mercy of the pirate ; and, as may be expected,
no mercy was shewn. For three hours did this mur-
derous attack continue, when the gun, which, as before
observed, was of brass, became so heated that the
pirate captain desired his men to discontinue. Whe-
ther the ship had surrendered or not it was impossible
to say, as it was too dark to distinguish : while the
long gun was served, the foretop-mast and main-gafF
had been shifted, and all the standing and running-
rigging made good ; the schooner keeping her dis-
tance, and following in the wake of the ship until
daylight.

We must now repair on board of the ship : she
was an Indiaman ; one of the very few that occa-
sionally are sent out by the Portuguese government
to a country which once owned their undivided sway,
but in which, at present, they hold but a few miles
of territory. She was bound to Goa, and had on board
a small detachment of troops, a new governor and
his two sons, a bishop and his niece, with her at-
tendant. The sailing of a vessel with such a freight
was a circumstance of rare occurrence; and was, of
course, generally bruited about long before her de-
parture. Cain had, for some months, received all the
necessary intelligence relative to her cargo and de-
stination ; but, as usual with the Portuguese of the

78 THE ATTACK.

present day, delay upon delay had followed, and it was
not until about three weeks previous that he had been
assured of her immediate departure. He then ran down
the coast to the bay we have mentioned that he might
intercept her ; and, as the event has proved, shewed his
usual judgment and decision. The fire of the schooner
had been most destructive : many of the Indiaman's
crew, as well as of the troops, had been mowed down
one after another ; until, at last, finding that all their
efforts to defend themselves were useless, most of those
who were still unhurt had consulted their safety, and
hastened down to the lowest recesses of the hold to
avoid the raking and destructive shot. At the time
that the schooner had discontinued her fire to allow
the gun to cool, there was no one on deck but the
Portuguese captain and one old weather-beaten seaman
who stood at the helm. Below, in the orlop deck,
the remainder of the crew and the passengers were
huddled together in a small space : some were attend-
ing to the wounded, who were numerous ; others were
invoking the saints to their assistance ; the bishop, a
tall, dignified person, apparently nearly sixty years of
age, was kneeling in the centre of the group, which
was dimly lighted by two or three lanterns, at one
time in fervent prayer, at another, interrupted, that he
might give absolution to those wounded men whose
spirits were departing, and who were brought down
and laid before him by their comrades. On one side
of him knelt his orphan niece, a young girl of about
seventeen years of age, watching his countenance as
he prayed, or bending down with a look of pity and

THE ATTACK. 79

tearful eyes on her expiring countrymen, whose last
moments were gladdened by his holy offices. On the
other side of the bishop stood the governor, Don Philip
de Ribiera, and his two sons, youths in their prime,
and holding commissions in the king's service. There
was melancholy on the brow of Don Ribiera ; he was
prepared for, and he anticipated the worst. The eldest
son had his eyes fixed upon the sweet countenance of
Teresa de Silva — that very evening, as they walked
together on the deck, had they exchanged their vows —
that very evening they had luxuriated in the present,
and had dwelt with delightful anticipation on the
future. But we must leave them and return on deck.

The captain of the Portuguese ship had walked
aft, and now went up to Antonio, the old seaman, who
was standing at the wheel.

" I still see her with the glass, Antonio, and yet
she has not fired for nearly two hours ; do you think
any accident has happened to her long gun ? if so, we
may have some chance."

Antonio shook his head. " We have but little
chance, I am afraid, my captain ; I knew by the ring
of the gun, when she first fired it, that it was brass ;
indeed, no schooner could carry a long iron gun of that
calibre. Depend upon it, she only waits for the metal
to cool and daylight to return : a long gun or two
might have saved us, but now, as she has the advantage
of us in heels, we are at her mercy."

*' What can she be — a French privateer?"

" I trust it may be so ; and I have promised a
silver candlestick to St. Antonio that it may prove no

80 THE ATTACK.

worse : we then may have some chance of seeing our
homes again ; but I fear not."

*^ What, then, do you imagine her to be, Antonio?"

" The pirate which we have heard so much of."

^' Jesu protect us! we must then sell our lives as
dearly as we can."

*' So I intend to do, my captain," replied Antonio,
shifting the helm a spoke.

The day broke, and shewed the schooner continuing
her pursuit at the same distance astern, without any
apparent movement on board. It was not until the
sun was some degrees above the horizon that the smoke
was again seen to envelope her bows, and the shot
crashed through the timbers of the Portuguese ship.
The reason for this delay was, that the pirate waited
till the sun was up to ascertain if there were any other
vessels to be seen, previous to his pouncing on his
quarry. The Portuguese captain went aft and hoisted
his ensign, but no flag was shewn by the schooner.
Again whistled the ball, and again did it tear up the
decks of the unfortunate ship : many of those who had
reascended to ascertain what was going on, now hastily
sought their former retreat.

'^ Mind the helm, Antonio," said the Portuguese
captain ; "I must go down and consult with the
governor."

" Never fear, my captain ; as long as these limbs
hold together I will do my duty," replied the old
man, exhausted as he was by long watching and
fatigue.

The captain descended to the orlop-deck, where he

THE ATTACK. 81

found the major part of the crew and passengers
assembled.

" My lords," said he, addressing the governor and
bishop, ** the schooner has not shewn any colours,
although our own are hoisted. I am come down to
know your pleasure. Defence we can make none ; and
I fear that we are at the mercy of a pirate."

" A pirate !" ejaculated several, beating their breasts
and calling upon their saints.

" Silence, my good people, silence," quietly observed
the bishop ; '* as to what it may be best to do," con-
tinued he, turning to the captain, " I cannot advise ; I
am a man of peace, and unfit to hold a place in a
council of war. Don Ribiera, I must refer the point
to you and your sons. Tremble not, my dear Teresa ;
are we not under the protection of the Almighty?"

" Holy Virgin, pity us!" exclaimed Teresa.

" Come, my sons," said Don Ribiera, " we will
go on deck and consult : let not any of the men fol-
low us ; it is useless risking lives which may yet be
valuable."

Don Ribiera and his sons followed the captain
to the quarter-deck, and with him and Antonio they
held a consultation.

" We have but one chance," observed the old man,
after a time : "let us haul down our colours as if in
submission ; they will then range up alongside, and
either board us from the schooner, or from their boats ;
at all events, we shall find out what she is, and, if a
pirate, we must sell our lives as dearly as we can. If,
when we haul down the colours, she ranges up along-

82 THE ATTACK.

side, as I expect she will, let all the men be prepared
for a desperate struggle."

*' You are right, Antonio," replied the governor ;
*^ go aft, captain, and haul down the colours; — let us
see what she does now. Down, my boys! and prepare
the men to do their duty."

As Antonio had predicted, so soon as the colours
were hauled down, the schooner ceased firing and
made sail. She ranged up on the quarter of the ship,
and up to her main peak soared the terrific black flag;
her broadside was poured into the Indiaman, and
before the smoke had cleared aw^ay there was a con-
cussion from the meeting sides, and the bearded pirates
poured upon her decks.

The crew of the Portuguese, with the detachment
of troops, still formed a considerable body of men.
The sight of the black flag had struck ice into every
heart, but the feeling was resolved into one of des-
peration.

*' Knives, men ! knives !" roared Antonio, rushing on
to the attack, followed by the most brave.

" Blood for blood!" cried the second mate, aiming
a blow at the old man.

" You have it," replied Antonio, as his knife en-
tered the pirate's heart, while, at the same moment, he
fell and was himself a corpse.

The struggle was deadly, but the numbers and fero-
city of the pirates prevailed. Cain rushed forward
followed by Hawkhurst, bearing down all who opposed
them. With one blow from the pirate-captain the
head of Don Ribiera was severed to the shoulder ;

THE ATTACK. 83

a second struck down the eldest son, while the sword
of Hawkhurst passed through the body of the other.
The Portuguese captain had already fallen, and the
men no longer stood their ground. A general massacre
ensued, and the bodies were thrown overboard as fast
as the men were slaughtered. In less than five minutes
there was not a living Portuguese on the bloody decks
of the ill-fated ship.

I

84

CHAPTER IX.

THE CAPTURE.

" Pass the word for not a man to go below, Hawk-
hurst ! " said the pirate-captain.

" I have, sir ; and sentries are stationed at the
hatchways. Shall we haul the schooner off?"

'^ No, let her remain ; the breeze is faint already :
we shall have a calm in half an hour. Have we lost
many men ?"

*' Only seven, that I can reckon ; but we have lost
Wallace" (the second mate).

" A little promotion will do no harm," replied
Cain ; " take a dozen of our best men and search the
ship, there are others alive yet. By the by, send a
watch on board of the schooner ; she is left to the
mercy of the Kroumen, and "

*• One who is better out of her," replied Hawkhurst.
" And those we find below " continued the mate.

'^ Alive!"

" True ; we may else be puzzled where to find that
portion of her cargo which suits us," said Hawkhurst,
going down the hatchway to collect the men who were
plundering on the main deck and in the captain's
cabin.

"Here, you Maltese! up, there! and look well

THE CAPTURE. 85

round if there is any thing in sight," said the captain,
walking aft.

Before Hawkhurst had collected the men and
ordered them on board of the schooner, as usual in
those latitudes, it had fallen a perfect calm.

Where was Francisco during this scene of blood?
He had remained in the cabin of the schooner. Cain
had more than once gone down to him, to persuade
him to come on deck and assist at the boarding of the
Portuguese, but in vain — his sole reply to the threats
and solicitations of the pirate was, —

" Do with me as you please — I have made up my
mind — you know I do not fear death — so long as
I remain on board of this vessel I will take no part in
your atrocities. If you do respect my mother's me-
mory, suffer her son to seek an honest and honourable
livelihood."

These words of Francisco were ringing in the ears
of Cain as he walked up and down on the quarter-
deck of the Portuguese vessel, and, debased as he was,
he could not help feeling that the youth was his equal
in animal, and his superior in mental courage — he was
arguing in his own mind upon the course he should
pursue with respect to Francisco, when Hawkhurst
made his appearance on deck, followed by his men,
who dragged up six individuals who had escaped the
massacre. These were the bishop ; his niece ; a Portu-
guese girl, her attendant; the supercargo of the vessel;
a sacristan ; and a servant of the ecclesiastic : they were
hauled along the deck and placed in a row before the
captain, who cast his eyes upon them in severe scrutiny.

86

THE CAPTURE.

The bishop and his niece looked round, the one proudly
meeting the eye of Cain, although he felt that his hour
was come ; the other, carefully avoiding his gaze, and
glancing round to ascertain whether thei-e were any
other prisoners, and, if so, if her betrothed was amongst
them ; but her eye discovered not what she sought —
it was met only by the bearded faces of the pirate-crew,
and the blood which bespattered the deck.

She covered her face with her hands.

'^ Bring that man forward," said Cain, pointing to
the servant. " Who are you?"

'* A servant of my lord the bishop."

'* And you ? " continued the captain.

" A poor sacristan attending upon my lord the
bishop."

*' And you?" cried he to the third.

" The supercargo of this vessel."

" Put him aside, Hawkhurst !"

" Do you want the others?" inquired Hawkhurst,
significantly.

'^ No."

Hawkhurst gave a signal to some of the pirates,
who led away the sacristan and the servant. A stifled
shriek and a heavy plunge in the water were heard
a few seconds after. During this time, the pirate had
been questioning the supercargo as to the contents of
the vessel and her stowage, when he was suddenly
interrupted by one of the pirates, who, in a hurried
voice, stated that the ship had received several shot
between wind and water, and was sinking fast. Cain,
who was standing on the slide of the carronade with

THE CAPTURE. 87

his sword in his hand, raised his arm and struck the
pirate a blow on his head with the hilt, which, whether
intended or not, fractured his skull, and the man fell
upon the deck.

" Take that, babbler ! for your intelligence; if these
men are obstinate, we may have worked for nothing."

The crew, who felt the truth of their captain's
remark, did not appear to object to the punishment
inflicted, and the body of the man was dragged away,

" What mercy can we expect from those who shew
no mercy even to each other?" observed the bishop,
lifting up his eyes to heaven.

" Silence !" cried Cain ; who now interrogated the
supercargo as to the contents of the hold — the poor
man answered as well as he could — " the plate ! the
money for the troops — where are ihej ? "

" The money for the troops is in the spirit-room,
but of the plate I know nothing ; it is in some of the
cases belonging to my lord the bishop."

*' Hawkhurst! down at once into the spirit-room
and see to the money ; in the mean time I will ask a
few questions of this reverend father."

" And the supercargo — do you want him any

" No ; he may go."

The poor man fell down on his knees in thankful-
ness at what he considered his escape : he was dragged
away by the pirates, and, it is scarcely necessary to
add, that in a minute his body was torn to pieces by
the sharks, who, scenting their prey from a distance,
were now playing in shoals around the two vessels.

88 THE CAPTURE.

The party on the quarter-deck were now (unper-
ceived by the captain) joined by Francisco, who, hear-
ing from the Krouman, Pompey, that there were pri-
soners still on board, and amongst them two females,
had come over to plead the cause of mercy.

" Most reverend father," observed Cain, after a short
pause ; *' you have many articles of value in this vessel ?"

" None," replied the bishop, " except this poor
girl ; she is, indeed, beyond price, and will, I trust,
be soon an angel in heaven."

" Yet is this world, if what you preach be true, a
purgatory which must be passed through previous to
arriving there, and that girl may think death a blessing
compared to what she may expect if you refuse to tell
me what I would know. You have good store of gold
and silver ornaments for your churches — where are
they?"

" They are among the packages intrusted to my
care."

** How many may you have in all?"

** A hundred, if not more."

" Will you deign to inform me where I may find
what I require?"

" The gold and silver are not mine, but are the
property of that God to whom they have been dedi-
cated," replied the bishop.

" Answer quickly ; no more subterfuge, good sir.
Where is it to be found ? "

''I will not tell, thou blood-stained man; at least,
in this instance, there shall be disappointment, and the
sea shall swallow up those earthly treasures to obtain

THE CAPTURE. OU

which thou hast so deeply imbrued thy hands. Pirate !
I repeat it, I will not tell."

" Seize that girl, my lads !" cried Cain ; " she is
yours, do with her as you please."

" Save me ! oh, save me !" shrieked Teresa, clinging
to the bishop's robe.

The pirates advanced and laid hold of Teresa.
Francisco bounded from where he stood behind the
captain, and dashed away the foremost.

" Are you men?" cried he, as the pirates retreated.
** Holy sir, I honour you. Alas ! I cannot save you,"
continued Francisco mournfully. " Yet will I try.
On my knees — by the love you bore my mother — by
the affection you once bore me — do not commit this
horrid deed. My lads!" continued Francisco, appeal-
ing to the pirates, *' join with me and entreat your
captain; ye are too brave, too manly, to injure the
helpless and the innocent — above all to shed the blood
of a holy man, and of this poor trembling maiden."

There was a pause — even the pirates appeared
to side with Francisco, though none of them dared to
speak. The muscles of the captain's face quivered
with emotion, but from what source could not be
ascertained.

At this moment the interest of the scene was height-
ened. The girl who attended upon Teresa, crouched on
her knees with terror, had been casting her fearful eyes
upon the men which composed the pirate-crew; sud-
denly she uttered a scream of delight as she discovered
among them one that she well knew. He was a young
man, about twenty-five years of age, with little or no

90 THE CAPTURE.

beard. He had been her lover in his more innocent
days ; and she, for more than a year, had mourned him
as dead, for the vessel in which he sailed had never
been heard of. It had been taken by the pirate, and,
to save his life, he had joined the crew.

*' Filippo ! Filippo!" screamed the girl, rushing
into his arms. '' Mistress! it is Filippo; and we are
safe."

Filippo instantly recognised -her : the sight of her
brought back to his memory his days of happiness and
of innocence ; and the lovers were clasped in each
other's arms.

" Save them ! spare them ! — by the spirit of my
mother ! I charge you," repeated Francisco, again ap-
pealing to the captain.

** May God bless thee, thou good young man,"
said the bishop, advancing and placing his hand upon
Francisco's head.

Cain answered not ; but his broad expanded chest
heaved with emotion — when Hawkhurst burst into the
group.

" We are too late for the money, captain ; the
water is already six feet above it. We must now try
for the treasure."

This intelligence appeared to check the current of
the captain's feelings.

" Now, in one word, sir," said he to the bishop,
" where is the treasure ? tritie not, or, by hea-
ven !"

** Name not heaven," replied the bishop : " you
have had my answer."

THE CAPTURE. 91

The captain turned away, and gave some directions
to Hawkhurst, who hastened below.

" Remove that boy," said Cain to the pirates, point-
ing to Francisco. *' Separate those two fools," con-
tinued he, looking towards Filippo and the girl, who
were sobbing in each other's arms.

*^ Never!" cried Filippo.

** Throw the girl to the sharks! Do you hear?
am I to be obeyed ? " cried Cain, raising his cutlass.

Filippo started up, disengaged himself from the
girl, and, drawing his knife, rushed towards the captain
to plunge it in his bosom.

With the quickness of lightning the captain caught
his uplifted hand, and, breaking his wrist, hurled him
to the deck.

*^ Indeed ! " cried he, with a sneer.

" You shall not separate us," said Filippo, attempt-
ing to rise.

" I do not intend it, my good lad," replied Cain ;
" lash them both together and launch them over-
board."

This order was now obeyed ; for the pirates not
only quailed before the captain's cool courage, but
were indignant that his life had been attempted. There
was little occasion to tie the unhappy pair together;
they were locked so fast in each other's arms that it
would have been impossible almost to separate them.
In this state they were carried to the entering-port,
and cast into the sea.

" Monster!" cried the bishop, as he heard the
splash, '' thou wilt have a heavy reckoning for this."

92 THE CAPTURE.

" Now bring these forward," said Cain, with a
savage voice.

The bishop and his niece were led to the gang-
way.

"What dost thou see, good bishop?" said Cain,
pointing to the discoloured water, and the rapid motion
of the fins of the sharks — eager in the anticipation of
a further supply.

" I see ravenous creatures after their kind," replied
the bishop, " who will, in all probability, soon tear
asunder these poor limbs ; but I see no monster like
thyself. Teresa, dearest, fear not ; there is a God, an
avenging God, as well as a rewarding one."

But Teresa's eyes were closed — she could not look
upon the scene.

" You have your choice ; first torture, and then
your body to those sharks for your own portion : and,
as for the girl, this moment I hand her over to my
crew."

" Never!" shrieked Teresa, springing from the
deck and plunging into the wave.

There was the splash of contention, the lashing of
tails, until the water was in a foam, and then the dark
colour gradually cleared away, and naught was to be
seen but the pure blue wave and the still unsatiated
monsters of the deep.

" The screws — the screws — quick ! we'll have the
secret from him," cried the pirate-captain, turning to
his crew, who, villains as they were, had been shocked
at this last catastrophe — " seize him ! "

'^ Touch him not!" cried Francisco, standing on

THE CAPTURE. 93

the hammock-nettings; " touch him not! if you are
men."

Boiling with rage, Cain let go the arm of the bishop,
drew his pistol, and levelled it at Francisco. The
bishop threw up the arm of Cain as he fired ; saw that
he had missed his aim, and clasped his hands, rais-
ing his eyes to heaven in thankfulness at Francisco's
escape. In this position he was collared by Hawkhurst,
whose anger overcame his discretion, and who hurled
him through the entering-port into the sea.

'' Officious fool !" muttered Cain, when he per-
ceived what the mate had done. Then, recollecting
himself, he cried, — " Seize that boy and bring him
here."

One or two of the crew advanced to obey his orders ;
but Pompey and the Kroumen, who had been atten-
tive to what was going on, had collected round Fran-
cisco, and a scuffle ensued. The pirates, not being
very determined, nor very anxious to take Francisco,
allowed him to be hurried away in the centre of the
Kroumen, who bore him safely to the schooner.

In the mean time Hawkhurst, and the major part
of the men on board of the ship, had been tearing up
the hold to obtain the valuables, but without success.
The water had now reached above the orlop-deck, and
all further attempts were unavailing. The ship was
settling fast, and it became necessary to quit her, and
haul off the schooner, that she might not be endan-
gered by the vortex of the sinking vessel. Cain and
Hawkhurst, with their disappointed crew, returned on
board the schooner, and, before they had succeeded in

94 TPIE CAPTURE.

detaching the two vessels a cahle's length, the ship
went down with all the treasure so coveted. The
indignation and rage which were expressed by the cap-
tain as he rapidly walked the deck in company wdth
his first mate— his violent gesticulations — proved to the
crew that there was mischief brewing. Francisco did
not return to the cabin ; he remained forward with the
Kroumen, who, although but a small portion of the
ship's company, were known to be resolute and not to
be despised. It was also observed that all of tliem
had supplied themselves with arms, and were collected
forward, huddled together, watching every motion and
manoeuvre, and talking rapidly in their own language.
The schooner was now steered to the north-westward
under all press of sail. The sun again disappeared,
but Francisco returned not to the cabin — he went be-
low, surrounded by the Kroumen, who appeared to
have devoted themselves to his protection. Once
during the night Hawkhui^t summoned them on deck,
but they obeyed not the order; and, to the expostu-
lation of the boatswain's mate who came down, they
made no reply. But there were many of the pirates
in the schooner who appeared to coincide with the
Kroumen in their regard for Francisco. There are
shades of villany in the most profligate of societies ;
and, among the pirate's crew, some were not yet wholly
debased. The foul murder of a holy man — the cruel
fate of the beautiful Teresa — and the barbarous conduct
of the captain towards Filippo and his mistress, were
deeds of an atrocity to which even the most hard-
ened were unaccustomed. Francisco's pleadings in

THE CAPTURE. 95

behalf of mercy were at least no crime; and yet
they considered that Francisco was doomed. He
was a general favourite ; the worst disposed of the
pirates, with the exception of Hawkhurst, if they
did not love, could not forbear respecting him ; al-
though, at the same time, they felt that if Francisco
remained on board, the power even of Cain himself
would soon be destroyed. For many months Hawk-
hurst, who detested the youth, had been most earnest
that he should be sent out of the schooner. Now he
pressed the captain for his removal in any way, as
necessary for their mutual safety, pointing out to Cain
the conduct of the Kroumen, and his fears that a large
proportion of the ship's company were equally dis-
affected. Cain felt the truth of Hawkhurst's repre-
sentation ; and he went down to his cabin to consider
upon what should be done.

It was past midnight, ^vlien Cain, worn out with
the conflicting passions of the day, fell into an uneasy
slumber. His dreams were of Francisco's mother —
she appeared to him pleading for her son, and
Cain '* babbled in his sleep." At this time Francisco,
with Pompey, had softly crawled aft, that they might
obtain, if they found the captain asleep, the pistols
of Francisco, with some ammunition. Pompey slipped
in first, and started back when he heard the captain's
voice. They remained at the cabin -door listening.
" No — no," muttered Cain, *' he must die — useless —
plead not, woman! — I know I murdered thee — plead
not, he dies ! "

In one of the sockets of the silver lamp there was a

96 THE CAPTURE.

lighted wick, the rays of which were sufficient to afford
a dim view of the cabin. Francisco, overhearing the
words of Cain, stepped in, and walked up to the side of
the bed. " Boy ! plead not," continued Cain, lying on
his back and breathing heavily — '' plead not — woman!
to-morrow he dies." A pause ensued, as if the sleep-
ing man was listening to a reply. " Yes, as I mur-
dered thee, so will I murder him."

" Wretch," said Francisco, in a low solemn voice,
" didst thou kill my mother?"

*' I did — I did," responded Cain, still sleeping.

*^ And why?" continued Francisco, who, at this
acknowledgement on the part of the sleeping captain,
was careless of discovery.

** In my mood — she vexed me," answered Cain.

" Fiend ! thou hast then confessed it," cried
Francisco in a loud voice, which awoke the captain,
who started up, but, before his senses were well re-
covered, or his eyes opened so as to distinguish their
forms, Pompey struck out the light, and all was
darkness ; he then put his hand to Francisco's mouth,
and led him out of the cabin.

" Who's there? — who's there?" cried Cain.

The officer in charge of the deck hastened down.
" Did you call, sir?"

" Call," repeated the captain — " I thought there
was some one in the cabin. I want a light — that's
all," continued he, recovering himself, as he wiped
the cold perspiration from his forehead.

In the mean time Francisco, with Pompey, had
gained his former place of refuge with the Kroumen.

THE CAPTURE. 97^

The feelings of the young man changed from agony
to revenge ; his object in returning to the cabin to
recover his vs'eapons had been frustrated, but his
determination now was to take the life of the captain
if he possibly could. The following morning the
Kroumen again refused to work or go on deck ; and
the state of affairs was reported by Hawkhurst to his
chief. The mate now assumed another tone; for he
had sounded not the majority but the most steady
and influential men on board, who, like himself, were
veterans in crime.

" It must be, sir; or you will no longer command
this A^essel. I am desired to say so."

" Indeed," replied Cain, with a sneer ; ^' perhaps
you have already chosen my successor."

Hawkhurst perceived that he had lost ground, and
he changed his manner. " I speak but for yourself;
if you do not command this vessel I shall not remain
in her — if you quit her, I quit also; and we must find
another."

Cain was pacified, and the subject was not renewed.

*^ Turn the hands up," at last said the captain.
The pirate- crew assembled aft.

" My lads, I am sorry that our laws oblige me to
make an example ; but mutiny and disaffection must
be punished. I am equally bound as yourselves by
the laws which we have laid down for our guidance
while we sail together; and you may believe that in
doing my duty in this instance, I am guided by a sense
of justice, and wish to prove to you that I am worthy
to command. Francisco has been with me since he

98 THE CAPTURE.

was a child ; he has lived with me, and it is painful
to part with him : but I am here to see that our laws
are put in force. He has been guilty of repeated
mutiny and contempt, and — he must die."

" Death! death!" cried several of the pirates in
advance — " death and justice!"

" No more murder!" said several voices from
behind.

" Who's that— that speaks?"

" Too much murder yesterday — no more murder!"
shouted several voices at once.

" Let the men come forward who speak," cried
Cain, with a withering look. No one obeyed this order.
** Down, then, my men ! and bring up Francisco."

The whole of the pirate-crew hastened below, but
with different intentions ; some were determined to
seize Francisco, and hand him over to death — others
to protect him. A confused noise was heard — the
shouts of Down, and seize him ! opposed to those of
No murder ! No murder !

Both parties had snatched up their arms ; those
who sided with Francisco joined the Kroumen, whilst
the others also hastened below to bring him on deck.
A slight scuffle ensued before they separated, and
ascertained by the separation the strength of the con-
tending parties. Francisco, perceiving that he was
joined by a large body, desired his men to follow him,
went up the fore ladder, and took possession of the
forecastle. The pirates on his side supplied him with
arms, and Francisco stood forward in advance. Hawk-
hurst, and those of the crew who sided with him, had

THE CAPTURE. 99

retreated to the quarter-deck, and rallied round the
captain, who leaned against the capstern. They were
then able to estimate their comparative strength. The
number, on the whole, preponderated in favour of
Francisco; but on the captain's side were the older
and more athletic of the crew, and, we may add, the
more determined. Still, the captain and Hawkhurst
perceived the danger of their situation, and it was
thought advisable to parley for the present, and wreak
their vengeance hereafter. For a few minutes there
was a low consultation between both parties; at last
Cain advanced.

*' My lads," said he, addressing those who had
rallied round Francisco, " I little thought that a
firebrand would have been cast in this vessel to set
us all at variance. It was my duty, as your captain,
to propose that our laws should be enforced. Tell
me, now, what it is that you wish. I am only here
as your captain, and to take the sense of the whole
crew. I have no animosity against that lad ; I have
loved him — I have cherished him; but, like a viper,
he has stung me in return. Instead of being in arms
against each other, ought we not to be united? I
have, therefore, one proposal to make to you, which
is this : Let the sentence go by vote or ballot, if you
please ; and whatever the sentence may be, I shall be
guided by it. Can I say more 1 "

" My lads," replied Francisco, when the captain
had done speaking, ^* I think it better that you should
accept this proposal, rather than that blood should be
shed. My life is of little consequence; say, then.

100 THE CAPTURE.

will you agree to the vote, and submit to those laws,
which, as the captain says, have been laid down to
regulate the discipline of the vessel ?"

The pirates on Francisco's side looked round
among their party, and, perceiving that they were the
most numerous, consented to the proposal ; but Hawk-
hurst stepped forward and observed : " Of course, the
Kroumen can have no votes, as they do not belong to
the vessel."

This objection was important, as they amounted to
twenty-five, and, after that number was deducted, in all
probability, Francisco's adherents would have been in
the minority. The pirates with Francisco objected,
and again assumed the attitude of defence.

*^ One moment," said Francisco, stepping in ad-
vance ; '* before this point is settled, I wish to take
the sense of all of you as to another of your laws. I
ask you, Hawkhurst, and all you who are now opposed
to me, whether you have not one law which is. Blood
for blood."

" Yes — yes," shouted all the pirates.

" Then let your captain stand forward, and answer
to my charge, if he dares."

Cain curled his lip in derision, and walked within
two yards of Francisco.

'* Well, boy, I'm here; and what is your charge?"

" First — I ask you, Captain Cain, who are so anxi-
ous that the laws should be enforced, whether you
acknowledge that * Blood for blood' is a just law ?"

" Most just : and, when shed, the party who re-
venges is not amenable."

THE CAPTURE. 101

" 'Tis well : then, villain that thou art, answer —
Didst thou not murder my mother?"

Cain, at this accusation, started.

" Answer the truth, or lie like a recreant," repeated
Francisco ; " Did you not murder my mother?"

The captain's lips and the muscles of his face
quivered, but he did not reply.

" Blood for blood!" cried Francisco, as he fired his
pistol at Cain, who staggered, and fell on the deck.

Hawkhurst and several of the pirates hastened to
the captain, and raised him.

" She must have told him last night," said Cain,
speaking with difiiculty, as the blood flowed from the
wound.

*' He told me so himself," said Francisco, turning
round to those who stood by him.

Cain was taken down into the cabin. On examina-
tion, his wound was not mortal, although the loss of
blood had been rapid and very great. In a few minutes
Hawkhurst joined the party on the quarter-deck. He
found that the tide had turned more in Francisco's
favour than he had expected ; the law of " Blood for
blood" was held most sacred : indeed, it was but the
knowledge that it was solemnly recognised, and that,
if one pirate wounded another, that other was at liberty
to take his life, without punishment, which prevented
constant affrays between parties, whose knives would
otherwise have been the answer to every affront. It
was a more debased law of duelling, which kept such
profligate associates on good terms. Finding, there-
fore, that this feeling predominated, even among those

102 THE CAPTURE.

who were opposed to Francisco on the other question,
Hawkhurst thought it advisable to parley.

'■' Hawkhurst," said Francisco, " I have but one
request to make, which, if complied with, will put an
end to this contention ; it is, that you will put me
on shore at the first land that we make. If you and
your party engage to do this, I will desire those who
support me to return to their obedience."

" I grant it," replied Hawkhurst ; '^ and so will the
others. Will you not, my men 1 "

" Agreed — agreed upon all sides," cried the pirates,
throwing away their weapons and mingling with each
other, as if they never had been opposed.

There is an old saying, that there is honour amongst
thieves : and so it often proves. Every man in the
vessel knew that this agreement would be strictly ad-
hered to ; and Francisco now walked the deck with
as much composure as if nothing had occurred.

Hawkhurst, who was aware that he must fulfil his
promise, carefully examined the charts when he went
down below, came up and altered the course of the
schooner two points more to the northward. The
next morning he was up at the mast-head nearly half
an hour, when he descended, and again altered the
course. By nine o'clock, a low sandy island appeared
on the lee bow ; when within half a mile of it, he
ordered the schooner to be hove to, and lowered down
the small boat from the stern. He then turned the
hands up. " My lads, we must keep our promise, to
put Francisco on shore at the first land which we
made. There it is ;" and a malicious smile played on

THE CAPTURE. 103

the miscreant's features, as he pointed out to them the
barren sand-bank, which promised nothing but starv-
ation and a lingering death. Several of the crew
murmured ; but Hawkhurst was supported by his own
party, and had, moreover, taken the precaution quietly
to remove all the arms, with the exception of those
with which his adherents were provided.

*' An agreement is an agreement ; it is what he
requested himself, and we promised to perform. Send
for Francisco."

" I am here, Hawkhurst ; and I tell you candidly,
that desolate as is that barren spot, I prefer it to re-
maining in your company. I will bring my chest up
immediately."

" ]No — no ; that was not a part of the agreement,"
cried Hawkhurst.

'' Every man here has a right to his own property.
I appeal to the whole of the crew."

" True — true," replied the pirates; and Hawkhurst
found himself again in the minority.

" Be it so."

The chest of Francisco was handed into the boat.

" Is that all?" cried Hawkhurst.

" My lads, am I to have no provisions or water?"
inquired Francisco.

" No," replied Hawkhurst.

*> Yes — yes," cried most of the pirates.

Hawkhurst did not dare put it to the vote; he
turned sulkily away. The Kroumen brought up two
breakers of water, and some pieces of pork.

104 THE CAPTURE.

" Here, massa," said Pompey, putting into Fran-
cisco's hand a fishing-line with hooks.

"Thank you, Pompey; but I had forgot — that
book in the cabin — you know which I mean."

Pompey nodded his head, and went below ; but it
was some time before he returned, during which Hawk-
hurst became impatient. It was a very small boat
which had been lowered down; it had a lug-sail
and two pair of sculls in it, and was quite full when
Francisco's chest and the other articles had been
put in.

*^ Come ! I have no time to wait," said Hawkhurst ;
" in the boat!"

Francisco shook hands with many of the crew, and
wished all of them farewell. Indeed, now that they
beheld the poor lad about to be cast on a desolate
island, even those most opposed to him, felt some
emotions of pity. Although they acknowledged that
his absence was necessary, yet they knew his deter-
mined courage ; and with them that quality was
always a strong appeal.

" Who will row this lad ashore, and bring the
boat off?"

" Not I," replied one ; " it would haunt me ever
afterwards."

So they all appeared to think, for no one volun-
teered. Francisco jumped into the boat.

" There is no room for any one but me; and I will
row myself on shore," cried he. " Farewell, my lads !
farewell ! "

THE CAPTURE. 105

" Stop ! not so ; he must not have the boat — he
may escape from the island," cried Hawkhurst.

" And why shouldn't he, poor fellow?" replied the
men ; "let him have the boat."

*^ Yes — yes, let him have the boat ;" and Hawk-
hurst was again overruled.

*' Here, Massa Francisco — here de book."

"What's that, sir?" cried Hawkhurst, snatching
the book out of Pompey's hand.

" Him, massa, Bible." Francisco waited for the
book.

" Shove off!" cried Hawkhurst.

" Give me my book, Mr. Hawkhurst?"

*' No !" replied the malignant rascal, tossing the
Bible over the taffrail ; "he shall not have that.
I've heard say that there is consolation in it to the
afflicted."

Francisco shoved off his boat, and, seizing his
sculls, pushed astern, picked up the book, which still
floated, and laid it to dry on the after-thwart of the
boat. He then pulled in for the shore. In the mean-
time the schooner had let draw her foresheet, and had
already left him a quarter of a mile astern. Before
Francisco had gained the sand -bank, she was hull-
down to the northward.

106

CHAPTER X.

THE SAND-BANK.

The first half hour that Francisco was on this deso-
late spot he watched the receding schooner : his
thoughts were unconnected and vague. Wandering
through the various scenes which had passed on the
decks of that vessel, and recalling to his memory the
different characters of those on board of her, much as
he had longed to quit her — disgusted as he had been
with those with whom he had been forced to associate ;
still, as her sails grew fainter and fainter to his view,
as she increased her distance, he more than once felt
that even remaining on board of her would have been
preferable to his present deserted lot. " No, no!" ex-
claimed he, after a little farther reflection, " I had
rather perish here, than continue to witness the scenes
which I have been forced to behold.*'

He once more fixed his eyes upon her white sails,
and then sat down on the loose sand, and remained in
deep and melancholy reverie until the scorching heat
reminded him of his situation ; he afterwards rose and
turned his thoughts upon his present situation, and
to what would be the measures most advisable to take.
He hauled his little boat still farther on the beach,
and attached the painter to one of the oars, which

THE SAND-BANK. 107

he fixed deep in the sand ; he then proceeded to
survey the bank, and found that but a small portion
was uncovered at high-water ; for, trifling as was the
rise of the tide, the bank was so low that the water
flowed almost over it. The most elevated part was not
more than fifteen feet above high-water mark, and that
was a small knoll of about fifty feet in circumference.

To this part he resolved to remove his effects :
he returned to the boat, and, having lifted out his
chest, the water, and provisions, with the other articles
which he had obtained, he dragged them up, one by
one, until they were all collected at the spot he had
chosen. He then took out of the boat the oars and
little sail, which, fortunately, had remained in her.
His last object, to haul the little boat up to the same
spot, was one which demanded all his exertion ; but,
after considerable fatigue, he contrived, by first lifting
round her bow, and then her stern, to efiect his
object.

Tired and exhausted, he then repaired to one
of the breakers of water and refreshed himself. The
heat, as the day advanced, had become intolerable ;
but it stimulated him to fresh exertion. He turned
over the boat, and contrived that the bow and stern
should rest upon two little hillocks, so as to raise
it above the level of the sand beneath it two or three
feet ; he spread out the sail from the keel above, with
the thole -pins as pegs, so as to keep off the rays
of the sun. Dragging the breakers of water and the
provisions underneath the boat, he left his chest out-
side; and, having thus formed for himself a sort of

108 THE SAND-BANK.

covering which would protect him from the heat of the
day and the damp of the night, he crept in, to shelter
himself until the evening.

Although Francisco had not been on deck, he knew
pretty well whereabouts he then was. Taking out a
chart from his chest, he examined the coast to ascer-
tain the probable distance which he might be from
any prospect of succour. He calculated that he was
on one of a patch of sand-banks, off the coast of
Loango, and about seven hundred miles from the Isle
of St. Thomas — the nearest place where he might ex-
pect to fall in with an European face. From the coast
he felt certain that he could not be more than forty
or fifty miles at the most ; but could he trust himself
among the savage natives who inhabited it ? He knew
how ill they had been treated by Europeans ; for, at
that period, it was quite as common for the slave-
traders to land and take the inhabitants away as slaves
by force, as to purchase them in the more northern
territories ; still, he might be fortunate enough to fall
in with some trader on the coast, as there were a few
who still carried on a barter for gold-dust and ivory.

We do not know — we cannot conceive a situation
much more deplorable than the one we have just
described to have been that of Francisco. Alone —
without a chance of assistance — with only a sufficiency
of food for a few days, and cut off from the rest of his
fellow- creatures, with only so much terra firma as
would prevent his being swallowed up by the vast,
unfathomable ocean, into which the horizon fell on
every side around him, and his chance of escape how

THE SAND-BANK. 109

small! Hundreds of miles from any from whom he
might expect assistance, and the only means of reach-
ing them a small boat — a mere cockle-shell, which the
first rough gale would inevitably destroy.

Such, indeed, were the first thoughts of Francisco ;
but he soon recovered from his despondency. He was
young, courageous, and buoyant with hope ; and there
is a feeling of pride — of trust in our own resources
and exertions, which increases and stimulates us in
proportion to our danger and difficulty : it is the
daring of the soul, proving its celestial origin and
eternal duration.

So intense was the heat that Francisco almost
panted for sufficient air to support life, as he lay
under the shade of the boat during the whole of that
day ; not a breath of wind disturbed the glassy wave —
all nature appeared hushed into one horrible calm. It
was not until the shades of night were covering the
solitude, that Francisco ventured forth from his retreat ;
but he found little relief; there was an unnatural
closeness in the air — a suffocation unusual even in
those climes. Francisco cast his eyes up to the
vault of heaven, and was astonished to find that there
were no stars visible — a gray mist covered the whole
firmament. He directed his view downwards to the
horizon, and that, too, was not to be defined; there
was a dark bank all around it. He walked to the edge
of the sand-bank ; there was not even a ripple — the
wide ocean appeared to be in a trance, in a state of
lethargy or stupor.

He parted the hair from his feverish brow, and

no THE SAND-BANK.

once more surveying the horrible, lifeless, stagnant
waste, his soul sickened, and he cast himself upon the
sand. There he lay for many hours in a state border-
ing upon wild despair. At last he recovered himself;
and, rising to his knees, he prayed for strength, and
submission to the will of Heaven.

When he was once more upon his feet, and had
again scanned the ocean, he perceived that there
was a change rapidly approaching. The dark bank
on the horizon had now risen higher up ; the opaque-
ness was every where more dense ; and low mur-
murs were heard, as if there was wind stirring aloft,
although the sea was still glassy as a lake. Signs
of some movement about to take place were evident,
and the solitary youth watched and watched. And
now the sounds increased — and here and there a wild
thread of air — whence coming, who could tell? and
as rapidly disappearing, would ruffle, for a second, a
portion of the stagnant sea. Then came whizzing
sounds and moans, and then the rumbling noise of
distant thunder — loud and louder yet — still louder —
a broad black line is seen sweeping along the expanse
of water — fearful in its rapidity — it comes I — it
comes! — and the hurricane burst, at once and with
all its force, and all its terrific sounds, upon the
isolated Francisco.

The first blast was so powerful and so unexpected
that it threw him down ; and prudence dictated to him
to remain in that position, for the loose sand was
swept off and whirled in such force as to blind and
prevent his seeing a foot from him ; he would have

THE SAND-BANK. Ill

crawled to the boat for security, but he knew not in
which direction to proceed. But this did not last;
for now the water was borne up upon the strong wings
of the hurricane, and the sand was rendered firm by
its saturation with the element.

Francisco felt that he was drenched, and he raised
his head. All he could discover was, that the firma-
ment was mantled with a darkness, horrible from its
intensity, and that the sea was in one extended foam —
boiling every where, and white as milk — but still
smooth, as if the power of the wind had compelled it
to be so ; but the water had encroached, and one half
the sand-bank was covered with it, while over the other
the foam whirled, each portion chasing the other with
wild rapidity.

And now the windows of heaven were opened ;
and the rain, mingled with the spray caught up by
the hurricane, was dashed and hurled upon the forlorn
youth, who still lay where he had been first thrown
down. But of a sudden, a wash of water told him
that he could there remain no longer : the sea was
rising — rising fast ; and, before he could gain a few
paces on his hands and knees, another wave, as if
it chased him in its wrath, repeated the warning of
his extreme danger, and he was obliged to rise on
his feet and hasten to the high part of the sand-
bank, where he had drawn up his boat and his pro-
visions.

Blinded as he was by the rain and spray, he could
distinguish nothing. Of a sudden, he fell violently ;
he had stumbled over one of the breakers of water, and

112 THE SAND-BANK.

his head struck against his sea-chest. Where, then, was
the boat ? it was gone ! — it must have been swept away
by the fury of the wind. Alas! then, all chance was
over ! and, if not washed away by the angry waters, he
had but to prolong his existence but a few days, and
then to die. The effect of the blow he had received
on his forehead, with the shock of mind occasioned
by the disappearance of the boat, overpowered him,
and he remained for some time in a state of in-
sensibility.

When Francisco recovered, the scene was again
changed ; the wide expanse was now in a state of wild
and fearful commotion, and the waters roared as loud
as did the hurricane. The whole sand-bank, with the
exception of that part on which he stood, was now
covered with tumultuous foam ; and his place of refuge
was occasionally invaded, when some vast mass o'er-
lording the other waves, expended all its fury even
to his feet. Francisco prepared to die !

But gradually the darkness of the heavens disap-
peared, and there was no longer a bank upon the
horizon ; and Francisco hoped — alas ! hoped what ? —
that he might be saved from the present impending
death to be reserved for one still more horrible ; to be
saved from the fury of the waves, which would swal-
low him up, and in a few seconds remove him from
all pain and suffering, to perish for want of sustenance
under a burning sun ; to be withered — to be parched
to death — calling in his agony for water; and, as
Francisco thought of this, he covered his face with
his hands, and prayed, " Oh, God ! thy will be done !

THE SAND-BANK. 113

but, in thy mercy, raise — still higher raise the
waters ! "

But the waters did not rise higher. The howling
of the wind gradually decreased, and the foaming
seas had obeyed the Divine injunction — they had
gone so far, but no farther! And the day dawned,
and the sky cleared ; and the first red tints, an-
nouncing the return of light and heat, had appeared
on the broken horizon, when the eyes of the despair-
ing youth were directed to a black mass on the tu-
multuous waters. It was a vessel, with but one mast
standing ; rolling heavily, and running before the gale
right on for the sand-bank where he stood ; her hull
one moment borne aloft, and the next disappearing
from his view in the hollow of the agitated waters.
She will be dashed to pieces, thought Francisco ; she
will be lost — they cannot see the bank ! and he
would have made a signal to her, if he had been able,
to warn her of her danger, forgetting, at the time, his
own desolate situation.

As Francisco watched, the sun rose, bright and
joyous, over this scene of anxiety and pain. On came
the vessel, flying before the gale ; while the seas
chased her as if they would fain overwhelm her. It
was fearful to see her scud — agonising to know that
she was rushing to destruction.

At last he could distinguish those on board. He
waved his hand, but they perceived him not; he
shouted, but his voice was borne away by the gale.
On came the vessel, as if doomed. She was within
two cables* length of the bank, when those on board

114 THE SAND-BANK.

perceived their danger. It was too late ! — they
rounded her to — another and another wave hurled
her towards the sand. She struck ! — her only remain-
ing mast fell over the side — and the roaring waves
hastened to complete their work of destruction and
of death!

115

CHAPTER XI.

THE ESCAPE.

Francisco's eyes were fixed upon the vessel, over
which the sea now broke with terrific violence. There
appeared to be about eight or nine men on her deck,
who sheltered themselves under the weather bulwarks.
Each wave, as it broke against her side and then
dashed in foam over her, threw her, with a convulsive
jerk, still farther on the sand-bank. At last she was
so high up that their fury was partly spent before they
dashed against her frame. Had the vessel been strong
and well built ; had she been a collier coasting the
English shores, there was a fair chance that she might
have withstood the fury of the storm until it had sub-
sided, and that by remaining on board, the crew might
have survived ; but she was of a very different mould,
and, as Francisco justly surmised, an American brig,
built for swift sailing, very sharp, and, moreover, very
slightly put together.

Francisco's eyes, as may easily be supposed, were
never removed from the only object which could now
interest him — the unexpected appearance and imminent
danger of his fellow-creatures at this desolated spot.
He perceived that two of the men went to the hatches,

116 THE ESCAPE.

and slid them over to leeward : they then descended,
and, although the seas broke over the vessel, and a
large quantity of water must have poured into her, the
hatches were not put on again by those who remained
on deck. But in a few minutes this mystery was
solved ; one after another at first, and then by dozens,
poured forth out of the hold, the kidnapped Africans,
who composed her cargo. In a short time the decks
were covered with them : the poor creatures had been
released by the humanity of two of the English sailors,
that they might have the same chance with themselves
of saving their lives. Still, no attempt was made to
quit the vessel. Huddled together, like a flock of
sheep, with the wild waves breaking over them, there
they all remained, both European and African ; and, as
the heavy blows of the seas upon the sides of the vessel
careened and shook her, they were seen to cling, in
every direction, with no distinction between the cap-
tured and their oppressors.

But this scene was soon changed ; the frame of the
vessel could no longer withstand the violence of the
waves; and, as Francisco watched, of a sudden it was
seen to divide a-midships, and each portion to turn
over. Then was the struggle for life ; hundreds were
floating on the raging element, and wrestling for exist-
ence, and the white foam of the ocean was dotted by
the black heads of the negroes who attempted to gain
the bank. It was an awful, terrible scene, to witness
so many at one moment tossed and dashed about by
the waves — so many fellow-beings threatened with
eternity. At one moment, they were close to the

THE ESCAPE. 117

beach, forced on to it by some tremendous wave ; at
the next, the receding water and the undertow swept
them all back ; and, of the many who had been swim-
ming, one half had disappeared to rise no more.
Francisco watched with agony as he perceived that the
number decreased, and that none had yet gained the
shore. At last he snatched up the haulyards of his
boat's sail which were near him, and hastened down to
the spot to afford such succour as might be possible;
nor were his efforts in vain. As the seas washed the
apparently inanimate bodies on shore, and would then
have again swept them away to return them in mock-
ery, he caught hold of them and dragged them safe
on the bank, and thus did he continue his exertions
until fifteen of the bodies of the negroes were spread
upon the beach. Although exhausted and senseless,
they were not dead, and long before he had dragged
up the last of the number, many of those previously
saved had, without any other assistance than the heat
of the sun, recovered from their insensibility.

Francisco would have continued his task of huma-
nity, but the parted vessel had now been riven into
fragments by the force of the waves, and the whole
beach was strewed with her timbers and her stores,
which were dashed on shore by the waters, and then
swept back again by the return. In a short time the
severe blows he received from these fragments disabled
him from further exertion, and he sank exhausted on
the sand; indeed, all further attempts were useless.
All on board of the vessel had been launched into the
sea at the same moment, and those who were not now

118 THE ESCAPE.

on shore were past all succour. Francisco walked up
to those who had been saved : he found twelve of them
were recovered and sitting on their hams ; the rest
were still in a state of insensibility. He then went up
to the knoll, where his chest and provisions had been
placed ; and, throwing himself down by them, surveyed
the scene.

The wind had lulled, the sun shone brightly, and the
sea was much less violent. The waves had subsided,
and, no longer hurried on by the force of the hurri-
cane, broke majestically and solemnly, but not with
the wildness and force which, but a few hours before,
they had displayed. The whole of the beach was
strewed with the fragments of the vessel, with spars
and water- casks ; and every moment was to be ob-
served the corpse of a negro turning round and round
in the froth of the wave, and then disappearing.

For an hour did he watch and reflect, and then
he walked again to where the men who had been
rescued were sitting, not more than thirty yards from
him ; they were sickly emaciated forms, but belonging
to a tribe who inhabited the coast, and who having been
accustomed, from their infancy, to be all the day in the
water, had supported themselves better than the other
slaves who had been procured from the interior, or
the European crew of the vessel, all of whom had
perished.

The Africans appeared to recover fast by the heat
of the sun, so oppressive to Francisco, and were now
exchanging a few words with each other. The whole
of them had revived, but those who were most in need

THE ESCAPE. 119

of aid were neglected by the others. Francisco made
signs to them, but they understood him not. He re-
turned to the knoll, and, pouring out water in a tin
pan from the breaker, brought it down to them. He
offered it to one who seized it eagerly ; water was a
luxury seldom obtained in the hold of a slave-vessel.
The man drank deeply, and would have drained the
cup, but Francisco prevented him, and held it to the
lips of another. He was obliged to refill it three times
before they had all been supplied: he then brought
them a handful of biscuit and left them, for he reflected
that, without some precautions, the whole sustenance
would soon be seized by them and devoured. He
buried half a foot deep, and covered over with sand the
breakers of water and the provisions, and, by the time
he had finished this task unperceived by the negroes,
who still squatted together, the sun had again sunk
below the horizon. Francisco had already matured
his plans, which were, to form a raft out of the frag-
ments of the vessel, and, with the assistance of the
negroes, attempt to gain the main land. He lay down,
for, the second night, on this eventful spot of desolation,
and, commending himself to the Almighty protection,
was soon in a deep slumber.

It was not until the powerful rays of the sun blazed
on the eyes of the youth that he awoke, so tired had
he been with the anxiety and fatigue of the preceding
day, and the sleepless harrowing night which had
introduced it ; he rose and seated himself upon his sea-
chest : how different was the scene from that of yester-
day ! Again the ocean slept, the sky was serene, and

120 THE ESCAPE.

not a cloud to be distinguished throughout the whole
firmament; the horizontal line was clear, even, and
well defined ; a soft breeze just rippled over the dark
blue sea which now had retired to its former boundary,
and left the sand-bank as extended as when first Fran-
cisco had been put on shore. But here the beauty of
the landscape terminated, the foreground was horrible
to look upon ; the whole of the beach was covered with
the timbers of the wreck, with water-casks, and other
articles, in some parts heaped and thrown up one upon
another; and, among them, lay jammed and mangled
the bodies of the many Avho had perished. In other
parts there were corpses thrown up high and dry, or
still rolling and turning to the rippling wave : it was a
scene of desolation and of death.

The negroes who had been saved were all huddled
up together, apparently in deep sleep, and Francisco
quitted his elevated position and walked down to the
low beach to survey the means which the disaster of
others afforded him for his own escape. To his great
joy he found not only plenty of casks, but many of
them full of fresh water, provisions also in sufficiency,
and, indeed, every thing that could be required to form
a raft, as well as the means of support for a consi-
derable time for himself and the negroes who had
survived. He then walked up to them and called to
them, but they answered not, nor even moved. He
pushed them, but in vain ; and his heart beat quick,
for he was fearful that they were dead from pre-
vious exhaustion. He applied his foot to one of them,
and it was not until he had used force, which in any

THE ESCAPE. 121

other case he would have dispensed with, that the
negro awoke from his state of lethargy and looked
vacantly about him. Francisco had some little know-
ledge of the language of the Kroumen, and he ad-
dressed the negro in that tongue. To his great joy, he
was answered in a language which, if not the same,
had so great an affinity to it, that communication be-
came easy. With the assistance of the negro, who
used still less ceremony with his comrades, the remain-
der of them were awakened and a palaver ensued.

Francisco soon made them understand that they
were to make a raft and go back to their own country ;
explaining to them that if they remained there, the
water and provisions would soon be exhausted, and
they would all perish. The poor creatures hardly
knew whether to consider him a supernatural being
or not ; they talked among themselves ; they remarked
at his having brought them fresh water the day be-
fore ; they knew that he did not belong to the vessel
in which they had been wrecked, and they were
puzzled.

Whatever might be their speculations they had one
good effect, which was, that they looked upon the
youth as a superior and a friend, and most willingly
obeyed him. He led them up to the knoll, and, de-
siring them to scrape away the sand, supplied them
again with fresh water and biscuit. Perhaps the very
supply, and the way in which it was given to them,
excited their astonishment as much as any thing.
Francisco ate with them, and selecting from his sea-
chest the few tools in his possession, desired them to

122 THE ESCAPE.

follow him. The casks were collected and rolled
up; the empty ones arranged for the raft; the spars
were hauled up, cleared of the rigging, which was
carefully separated for lashings; the one or two sails
which had been found rolled up on the spars were
spread out to dry; and the provisions and articles of
clothing, which might be useful, laid together on
one side. The negroes worked willingly, and shewed
much intelligence : before the evening closed, every
thing which might be available was secured, and
the waves now only tossed about lifeless forms and
the small fragments of timber which could not be
serviceable.

It would occupy too much time were we to detail
all the proceedings of Francisco and the negroes for
the space of four days, during which they laboured
hard. Necessity is truly the mother of invention,
and many were the ingenious resources of the party
before they could succeed in forming a raft large
enough to carry them and their provisions, with a
mast and sail well secured. At length it was accom-
plished ; and, on the fifth day, Francisco and his men
embarked, and having pushed clear of the bank with
poles, they were at last able to hoist their sail to a line
breeze, and steer for the coast before the wind at the
rate of about three miles an hour. But it was not
until they had gained half a mile from the bank that
they were no longer annoyed by the dreadful smell
arising from the putrefaction of so many bodies, for to
bury them all would have been a work of too great
time. The last two days of their remaining on the

^

THE ESCAPE. 123

island, the effluvia had become so powerful as to be
a source of the greatest horror and disgust even to the
negroes.

But before night, when the raft was about eight
leagues from the sand-bank it fell calm, and continued
so for the next day, when a breeze sprang up from the
south-east, to which they trimmed their sail with their
head to the northward.

This wind, and the course steered, sent them off
from the land, but there was no help for it, and Fran-
cisco felt grateful that they had such an ample supply
of provisions and water as to enable them to yield to a
few days' contrary wind without danger of want. But
the breeze continued steady and fresh, and they were now
crossing the Bight of Benin ; the weather was fine and
the sea smooth; the flying fish rose in shoals, and
dropped down into the raft, which still forced its way
through the water to the northward.

Thus did Francisco and his negro crew remain for
a fortnight floating on the wide ocean without any
object meeting their view. Day after day it was the
same dreary " sky and water," and, by the reckoning
of Francisco, they could not be far from the land,
when, on the fifteenth day, they perceived two sail to
the northward.

Francisco's heart bounded with joy and gratitude
to Heaven ; he had no telescope to examine them, but
he steered directly for them, and, about dark, he made
them out to be a ship and a schooner hove to.

As Francisco scanned them, surmising what they
might be, the sun set behind the two vessels, and, after

124 THE ESCAPE.

it had sunk below the horizon their forms were, for
a few minutes, delineated with remarkable precision
and clearness. There could be no mistake. — Francisco
felt convinced that the schooner was the Avenger ! and
his first impulse was to run to the sweep with which
they were steered, and put the head of the raft again
to the northward. A moment's reflection determined
him to act otherwise ; he lowered down his sail that he
might escape observation, and watched the motions of
the vessels during the few minutes of light which re-
mained. That the ship had been captured, and that
her capture had been attended with the usual scene of
outrao;e and violence he had no doubt. He was now
about four miles from them, and just as they were
vanishing from his straining eyes, he perceived that
the schooner had made all sail to the westward. Fran-
cisco feeling that he was then secure from being
picked up by her, again hoisted his sail with the hope
of reaching the ship, which, if not scuttled, he in-
tended to remove on board of, and then make sail
for the first port on the coast. But hardly had the
raft regained her way when the horizon was lighted up,
and he perceived that the pirates had set fire to the
vessel. Then it was useless to proceed towards her;
and Franciscp again thought of putting the head of
the raft to the northward, when the idea struck him,
knowing the character and cruelty of the pirates, that
there might be some unfortunate people left on board
to perish in the flames. He, therefore, continued his
course, watching the burning vessel ; the flames in-
creased in violence, mounting up to the masts and

THE ESCAPE. 125

catching the sails one after the other. The wind blew
fresh, and the vessel was kept before the wind — a
circumstance that assured Francisco that there were
people on board. At first she appeared to leave the
raft, but, as her sails, one after another, were consumed
by the element, so did she decrease her speed, and
Francisco, in about an hour, was close to her and
under her counter.

The ship was now one mass of fire from her bows
to her mainmast ; a volume of flame poured from her
main hold, rising higher than her lower masts, and
ending in a huge mass of smoke carried by the wind
a-head of her; the quarter-deck was still free from
fire, but the heat on it was so intense, that those on
board were all collected at the taffrail ; and there they
remained, some violent, others in mute despair, for
the Avenger's people, in their barbarity, had cut away
and destroyed all the boats to prevent their escape.
From the light thrown round the vessel, those on board
had perceived the approach of Francisco to their rescue,
and immediately that it was under the counter, and
the sail lowered, almost all of them had descended by
ropes, or the stern ladder, and gained a place in her.
In a few minutes, without scarcely an exchange of a
word, they were all out of the brig, and Francisco
pushed off just as the flames burst from the cabin win-
dows, darting out in a horizontal line like the tongues
of fiery serpents. The raft, now encumbered with
twelve more persons, was then steered to the north-
ward ; and as soon as those who had been saved had been
supplied with some water which they so much needed,

126 THE ESCAPE.

Francisco obtained the intelligence which he desired.
The ship was from Carthagena, South America ; had
sailed from thence to Lisbon with a Don Cumanos, who
had large property up the Magdalen river. He had
wished to visit a part of his family at Lisbon, and from
thence had sailed to the Canary isles, where he also had
property, in their way from Lisbon to South America.
They had been beaten by stress of weather to the south-
ward, and afterwards had been chased by the Aven-
ger ; being a very fast sailer she had run down several
degrees before she had been captured. When the pirate
took possession, and found that she had little or no cargo
of value to them, for her hold was chiefly filled with
furniture and other articles for the use of Don Cumanos,
angry at their disappointment, they had first destroyed
all their boats and then set fire to the vessel, taking
care not to leave her until all chance of the fire being
put out was hopeless. And thus had these miscreants
left innocent and unfortunate people to perish.

Francisco heard the narrative of Don Cumanos, and
then informed him in what manner he had left the
schooner and his subsequent adventures. Francisco
was now very anxious to make the land, or obtain
succour from some vessel. The many who were now
on board, and the time that he had already been at sea,
obliged him to reduce the allowance of water. Fortune
favoured him after all his trials ; on the third day a
vessel hove in sight, and they were seen by her. She
made sail for them, and took them all on board. It
was a schooner trafficking on the coast for gold-dust
and ivory j but the magnificent offers of Don Cumanos

^

\^

s^-'

'?<^

THE ESCAPE. 127

induced them to give up their voyage and run across
the Atlantic to Carthagena. To Francisco it was of
little moment vt^here he went, and in Don Cumanos
he had found a sincere friend.

" You have been my preserver," said the Spaniard ;
^^ allow me to return the obligation — come and live
with me."

As Francisco was equally pleased with Don Cu-
manos, he accepted the offer : they all arrived safely at
Carthagena, and from thence proceeded to his estate on
the Magdalen river.

128

CHAPTER XII.

THE LIEUTENANT.

When we last mentioned Edward Templemore, we
stated that he was a lieutenant of the admiral's ship on
the West India station, commanding the tender. Now
the name of the tender was the Enterprise ; and it
was singular that she was one of two schooners built
at Baltimore, remarkable for their beauty and good
qualities : yet how different were their employments !
Both had originally been built for the slave-trade ;
now one hoisted the English pennant, and cruised as
the Enterprise ; the other threw out the black flag,
and scoured the seas as the Avenger.

The Enterprise was fitted much in the same way as
we have already described her sister vessel, — that is,
with one long brass gun a-midships, and smaller ones
for her broadside. But in the numbers of their crew
there was a great disparity ; the Enterprise not being
manned with more than sixty-five English sailors,
belonging to the admiral's ship. She was employed,
as most admirals' tenders usually were, sometimes car-
rying a tender made for a supply of provisions, or a
tender of services, if required, from the admiral; or, if
not particularly wanted, with the important charge of a

THE LIEUTENANT. 129

tender billet-doux to some fair friend. But this is a
tender subject to toucli upon. In the mean time, it
must be understood that she had the same commission
to sink, burn, and destroy, as all other of his Ma-
jesty's vessels, if any thing came in her way ; but, as
she usually carried dispatches, the real importance of
which were, of course, unknown, she was not to go
out of her way upon such service.

Edward Templemore did, however, occasionally go
a little out of his way, and had lately captured a very
fine privateer, after a smart action, for which he anti-
cipated his promotion ; but the admiral thought him
too young, and therefore gave the next vacancy to his
own nephew, who, the admiral quite forgot, was much
younger.

Edward laughed when he heard of it, upon his
arrival at Port Royal ; and the admiral, who expected
that he would make his appearance pouting with disap-
pointment, when he came up to the Penn to report
himself, was so pleased with his good-humour that he
made a vow that Templemore should have the next
vacancy ; but this he also quite forgot, because Edward
happened to be, at the time it occurred, on a long
cruise, — and " out of sight out of mind" is a proverb so
well established, that it may be urged as an excuse for
a person who had so many other things to think of as
the admiral intrusted with the command of the West
India station.

Lieutenant Templemore had, in consequence, com-
manded the Enterprise for nearly two years, and
without grumbling; for he was of a happy disposition,

130 THE LIEUTENANT.

and passed a very happy sort of life. Mr. Withering-
ton was very indulgent to him, and allowed him to
draw liberally ; he had plenty of money for himself
or for a friend who required it, and he had plenty of
amusement. Amongst other diversions, he had fallen
most desperately in love : for, in one of his trips to
the Leeward Isles (so called from their being to wind-
ward) he had succoured a Spanish vessel, which had on
board the new governor of Porto Rico, with his family,
and had taken upon himself to land them on that
island in safety ; for which service the English admiral
received a handsome letter, concluding with the mo-
derate wish that his excellency might live a thousand
years, and Edward Templemore an invitation to go
and see them whenever he might pass that way;
which, like most general invitations, was as much a
compliment as the wish which wound up the letter to
the admiral. It did, however, so happen that the
Spanish governor had a very beautiful and only
daughter, carefully guarded by a duenna, and a monk
who was the depository of all the sins of the gover-
nor's establishment ; and it was with this daughter
that Edward Templemore fell into the heresy of love.
She was, indeed, very beautiful ; and, like all her
countrywomen, was ardent in her affections. The
few days that she was on board the schooner with
her father, during the time that the Enterprise con-
voyed the Spanish vessel into port, were quite sufficient
to ignite two such inflammable beings as Clara
d'Alfarez and Edward Templemore. The monk had
been left on board of the leaky vessel ; there was no

THE LIEUTENANT. 131

accommodation in the schooner for either him or the
duenna, and Don Felix de Maxos de Cobas de Manilla
d'Alfarez was too busy with his cigar to pay attention
to his daughter.

When they were landed, Edward Templemore was
asked to their residence, which was not in the town,
but at a lovely bay on the south side of the island.
The town mansion was appropriated to business and
the ceremony of the court : it was too hot for a per-
manent abode, and the governor only went there for
a few hours each day.

Edward Templemore remained a short time at
the island, and, at his departure, received the afore-
mentioned letter from the father to the English ad-
miral, and an assurance of unalterable fidelity from the
daughter to the English lieutenant. On his return,
he presented the letter, and the admiral was satisfied
with his conduct.

When ordered out to cruise, which he always was
when there was nothing else to do, he submitted to the
admiral whether, if he should happen to be near Porto
Rico, he could not leave an answer to the Spanish
governor's letter ; and the admiral, who knew the
value of keeping up a good understanding with foreign
relations, took the hint, and gave him one to deliver,
if convenient. The second meeting was, as may be
supposed, more cordial than the first on the part of
the young lady ; not so, however, on the part of the
duenna and holy friar, who soon found out that their
charge was in danger from heretical opinions.

132 THE LIEUTENANT.

Caution became necessary ; and, as secresy adds a
charm to an amour, Clara received a long letter and
a telescope from Edward. The letter informed her
that, whenever he could, he would make his appear-
ance in his schooner off the south of the island, and
await a signal made by her at a certain window, ac-
knowledging her recognition of his vessel. On the
night of that signal, he would land in his boat and
meet her at an appointed spot. This was all very
delightful ; and it so happened that Edward had four
or five times contrived, during the last year, to meet
Clara without discovery, and again and again to
exchange his vows. It was agreed between them
that when he quitted the station, she should quit her
father and her home, and trust her future happiness
to an Englishman and a heretic.

It may be a matter of surprise to some of our
readers that the admiral should not have discovered
the frequent visits of the Enterprise to Porto Rico, as
Edward was obliged to bring his log for examination
every time that he returned ; but the admiral was
satisfied with Edward's conduct, and his anxiety to
cruise, when there was nothing else for him to do.
His logs were brought on shore to the admiral's secre-
tary carefully rolled and sealed up. The admiral's
secretary threw the packages on one side, and thought
no more of the matter, and Edward had always a
ready story to tell when he took his seat at the ad-
miral's dinner-table ; besides, he is a very unfit person
to command a vessel who does not know how to write

THE LIEUTENANT. 133

a log that will bear an investigation. A certain lati-
tude is always allowed in every degree of latitude as
well as longitude.

The Enterprise had been dispatched to Antigua,
and Edward thought this an excellent opportunity to
pay a visit to Clara d'Alfarez ; he therefore, upon his
return, hove to off the usual headland, and soon per-
ceived the white curtain thrown out of the window.

" There it is, sir," said one of the midshipmen who
was near him — for he had been there so often that the
whole crew of the Enterprise were aware of his attach-
ment— " she has shewn her flag of truce."

*' A truce to your nonsense, Mr. Warren," replied
Edward, laughing ; " how came you to know any
thing about it?"

'* I only judge by cause and effect, sir ; and I
know that I shall have to go on shore and wait for
you to-night.

" That's not unlikely : but let draw the fore-sheet ;
we must now get behind the headland."

The youngster was right : that evening, a little
before dark, he attended his commander on shore,
the Enterprise lying to with a lantern at her peak.

*' Once more, dearest Clara!" said Edward, as he
threw off her long veil and pressed her in his arms.

" Yes, Edward, once more — but I am afraid only
once more ; for my maid, Inez, has been dangerously
ill, and has confessed to Friar Ricardo. I fear much
that, in her fright (for she thought that she was dying),
she has told all. She is better now."

" Why should you imagine so, Clara?"

]34 THE LIEUTENANT.

" Oh, you know not what a frightened fool that
Inez is when she is ill. Our religion is not like
yours."

"No, dear, it is not; but I will teach you a
better."

" Hush, Edward, you must not say that. Holy
Virgin ! if Friar Ricardo should hear you ! I think
that Inez must have told him, for he fixes his dark
eyes upon me so earnestly. Yesterday he observed to
me that I had not confessed."

" Tell him to mind his own business."

*' That is his business, and I was obliged to confess
to him last night. I told him a great many things,
and then he asked me if that was all. His eyes went
through me. I trembled as I uttered an untruth — for
I said it was."

^' I confess my sins but to my Maker, Clara; and
I confess my love but to you. Follow my plan,
dearest ! "

" I will half obey you, Edward. I will not tell
my love."

" And sins you have none, Clara; so you will
obey me in all."

'' Hush, Edward, you must not say that. We all
have sins ; and, oh ! what a grievous sin they say it
is to love you, who are a heretic! Holy Virgin,
pardon me ! but I could not help it."

" If that is your only sin, dearest, I can safely give
you absolution."

" Nay, Edward, don't joke, but hear me. If Inez
has confessed, they will look for me here; and we

THE LIEUTENANT. 135

must not meet again — at least not in this place. You
know the little bay behind the rock — it is not much
farther off, and there is a cave where I can wait :
another time it must be there."

'^ It shall be there, dearest ; but is it not too near
the beach ? will you not be afraid of the men in the
boat, who must see you ? "

*' But we can leave the beach. It is Ricardo,
alone, that I am in dread of — and the Donna Maria.
Merciful heaven ! should my father know it all, we
should be lost ! be separated for ever !" and Clara
laid her forehead on Edward's shoulder, as her tears
fell fast."

^' There is nought to fear, Clara. Hush ! I heard
a rustling in those orange-trees. Listen!"

"Yes! yes!" whispered Clara, hastily; " there is
some one ! Away ! dear Edward, away ! "

Clara sprang from his side, and hastened up the
grove. Edward made his retreat; and, flying down
the rocky and narrow path through the underwood,
was soon on the beach and into his boat. The Enter-
prise arrived at head-quarters, and Edward reported
himself to the admiral.

" I have work for you, Mr. Templemore," said the
admiral ; " you must be ready to proceed on service
immediately. We've found your match."

" I hope I may find her, sir," replied the lieutenant.

" I hope so, too ; for, if you give a good account of
her, it will put another swab on your shoulder. The
pirate schooner which has so long infested the At-
lantic has been seen and chased, off Barbadoes, by

136 THE LIEUTENANT.

the Amelia ; but it appears that there is not a vessel in
the squadron which can come near her unless it be the
Enterprise. She has since captured two West India-
men, and was seen steering with them towards the
coast of Guiana. Now, I am going to give you thirty
additional hands, and send you after her."

" Thank you, sir," replied Edward, his counte-
nance beaming with delight.

*' How soon will you be ready?" inquired the
admiral.

" To-morrow morning, sir."

" Very good. Tell Mr. Hadley to bring me the
order for the men, and your sailing-orders, and I will
sign them; but recollect, Mr. Templemore, you will
have an awkward customer. Be prudent — brave I
know you to be."

Edward Templemore promised every thing, as most
people do in such cases ; and, before the next evening,
the Enterprise was well in the ofEng, under a heavy
press of sail.

137

CHAPTER XIII

THE LANDING.

The property of Don Cumanos, to which he had re-
tired with his family, accompanied by Francisco, ex-
tended from the mouth of, to many miles up, the Mag-
dalen river. It was a fine alluvial soil, forming one vast
strip of rich meadow, covered with numerous herds of
cattle. The house was not a hundred yards from the
banks of this magnificent stream, and a small but
deep creek ran up to the adjacent buildings, — for Don
Cumanos had property even more valuable, being
proprietor of a gold-mine near the town of Jam-
brano, about eighty miles farther up, and which mine
had latterly become exceedingly productive. The ore
was brought down the river in boats, and smelted in
the outhouses near the creek to which we have just
referred.

It will b6 necessary to observe that the establish-
ment of the noble Spaniard was numerous, consisting
of nearly one hundred persons, employed in the
smel ting-houses, or attached to the household.

For some time Francisco remained here happy and
contented ; he had become the confidential supervisor
of Don Cumanos' household, proved himself worthy

138 THE LANDING.

of a trust so important, and was considered as one of
the family.

One morning, as Francisco was proceeding down
to the smelting-house to open the hatches of the small
decked boats which had arrived from Jambrano with
ore, and which were invariably secured with a padlock
by the superintendent above, to which Don Cumanos
had a corresponding key, one of the chief men in-
formed him that a vessel had anchored off the mouth
of the river the day before, and weighed again early
that morning, and that she was now standing off
and on.

'' From Carthagena, probably, beating up/' replied
Francisco.

*' Valga me dios, if I know that, sir," said Diego.
" I should have thought nothing about it ; but Giacomo
and Pedro, who went out to fish last night, as usual,
instead of coming back before midnight, have not been
heard of since."

" Indeed! that is strange. Did they ever stay so
long before ? "

" Never, sir; and they have fished together now
for seven years."

Francisco gave the key to the man, who opened
the locks of the hatches, and returned it.

"There she is!" cried the man; the head-sails
making their appearance as the vessel opened to their
view from the projecting point, — distant about four
miles. Francisco directed his eye towards her, and,
without further remark, hastened to the house.

" Well, Francisco!" said Don Cumanos. who was

THE LANDING. 139

stirring a small cup of chocolate, *' what's the news
this morning?"

'' The Nostra Senora del Carmen and the Aguilla
have arrived, and I have just unlocked the hatches.
There is a vessel off the point which requires examina-
tion, and I have come for the telescope."

" Requires examination ! Why, Francisco ? "

*' Because Giacomo and Pedro, who went fishing
last night, have not returned ; and there are no tidings
of them."

" That is strange ! But how is this connected with
the vessel ? "

" That I will explain as soon as I have had an ex-
amination of her," replied Francisco, who had taken
up the telescope, and was drawing out the tube.
Francisco fixed the glass against the sill of the window,
and examined the vessel some time in silence.

" Yes ! by the living God! it is the Avenger, and
no other," exclaimed he, as he removed the telescope
from his eye.

" Eh?" cried Don Cumanos.

*' It is the pirate- vessel ! — the Avenger! — I'll for-
feit my life upon it! Don Cumanos, you must be
prepared. I know that they have long talked of a visit
to this quarter, and anticipate great booty; and they
have those on board who know the coast well. The
disappearance of your two men convinces me that they
sent up their boats last night to reconnoitre, and have
captured them. Torture will extract the informa-
tion which the pirates require ; and I have little

140 THE LANDING.

doubt but that an attack will be made, when they
learn how much bullion there is, at present, on your
premises."

" You may be right," replied Don Cumanos,
thoughtfully; "that is, provided you are sure that
it is the pirate-vessel."

" Sure, Don Cumanos ! I know every timber and
plank in her ; there is not a rope or a block but I can
recognise. At the distance of four miles, with such a
glass as this, I can discover every little variety in her
rigging, from other craft. I will swear to her," repeated
Francisco, once more looking through the telescope.

" And if they attack, Francisco ? "

" We must defend ourselves ; and, I trust, beat
them oflP. They will come in their boats, and at night.
If they were to run in in the schooner by daylight, and
anchor abreast of us, we should have but a poor chance.
But they little think that I am here, and that they
are recognised. They will attack this night, I rather
think."

" And what do you then propose, Francisco?"

" That we should send all the females away to
Don Teodoro's — it is but five miles — and call the men
together, as soon as possible. We are strong enough
to beat them off, if we barricade the house. They
cannot land more than from ninety to one hundred
men, as some must remain in charge of the schooner;
and we can muster quite as many. It may be as
well to promise our men a reward, if they do their
duty."

THE LANDING. 141

'^ That is all right enough ; and the bullion we
have here "

" Here we had better let it remain ; it will take too
much time to remove it, and, besides, will weaken our
force by the men who must be in charge of it. The
out-houses must be abandoned, and every thing which
is of consequence taken from them. Fire them they
will, in all probability. At all events, we have plenty
of time before us, if we begin at once."

" Well, Francisco, I shall make you commandant,
and leave the arrangements to you, while I go and
speak to Donna Isidora. Send for the men and speak
to them ; promise them rewards ; and act as if you
were ordering upon your own responsibility."

'* I trust I shall prove myself worthy of your con-
fidence, sir," replied Francisco.

'^ Carambo !" exclaimed the old don, as he left the
room, " but it is fortunate you are here. We might
all have been murdered in our beds."

Francisco sent for the head men of the establish-
ment, and told them what he was convinced they
would have to expect ; and he then explained to them
his views. The rest were all summoned ; and Fran-
cisco pointed out to them the little mercy they would
receive if the pirates were not repulsed, and the re-
wards which were promised by Don Cumanos if they
did their duty.

Spaniards are individually brave, and, encouraged
by Francisco, they agreed that they would defend the
property to the last.

The house of Don Cumanos was well suited to

142 THE LANDING.

resist an attack of this description, in which musketry
only was expected to be employed. It was a long
parallelogram of stone walls, with a wooden veranda
on the first floor, — for it was only one story high.
The windows on the first story were more numerous,
but at the basement there were but two, and no
other opening but the door in the whole line of build-
ing. It was of a composite architecture, between the
Morisco and the Spanish. If the lower part of the
house, which was of stone, could be secured from
entrance, the assailants would, of course, fight under
a great disadvantage. The windows below were the
first secured, by piling a heavy mass of stones in the
interior of the rooms against them, rising to the ceiling
from a base like the segment of a pyramid extending
to the opposite side of the chamber ; and every prepa-
ration was made for effectually barricading the door
before night. Ladders were then fixed to ascend to
the veranda, which was rendered musket-proof nearly
as high as its railings, to protect the men. The Donna
Isidora, and the women of the establishment, were, in
the afternoon, despatched to Don Teodoro's; and, at
the request of Francisco, joined to the entreaties of
Donna Isidora, Don Cumanos was persuaded to ac-
company them. The Don called his men, and telling
them that he left Francisco in command, expected
them to do their duty ; and then shaking hands with
him, the cavalcade was soon lost in the w^oods behind
the narrow meadows which skirted the river.

There was no want of muskets and ammunition.
Some were employed casting bullets, and others in

THE LANDING. 143

examining the arms which had long been laid by.
Before evening, all was ready ; every man had re-
ceived his arms and ammunition ; the flints had been
inspected : and Francisco had time to pay more atten-
tion to the schooner, which had, during the day,
increased her distance from the land, but was now
again standing in for the shore. Half-an-hour before
dusk, when within three miles, she wore round, and
put her head to the offing.

" They'll attack this night," said Francisco : " I
feel almost positive ; their yards and stay-tackles are
up ; all ready for hoisting out the long-boat."

" Let them come, seiior ; we will give them a warm
reception," replied Diego, the second in authority.

It was soon too dark to perceive the vessel. Fran-
cisco and Diego ordered every man, but ^ve, into the
house ; the door was firmly barricaded, and some
large pieces of rock, which had been rolled into the
passage, piled against it. Francisco then posted the
five men down the banks of the river, at a hundred
yards distant from each other, to give notice of the
approach of the boats. It was about ten o'clock at
night when Francisco and Diego descended the ladder,
and went to examine their outposts.

" Sefior," said Diego, as he and Francisco stood on
the bank of the river, " at what hour is it your idea
that these villains will make their attempt ? "

" That is difficult to say. If the same captain
commands them who did when I was on board of
her, it will not be until after the moon is down,
which will not be till midnight ; but should it be

144 THE LANDING.

any other who is in authority, they may not be so
prudent."

" Holy Virgin ! seiior, were you ever on board of
that vessel ? "

'^ Yes, Diego, I was, and for a long while too ;
but not with my own good will. Had I not been on
board, I never should have recognised her."

" Very true, senor ; then we may thank the saints
that you have once been a pirate/'

" I hope that I never was that, Diego," replied
Francisco, smiling ; " but I have been a witness to
dreadful proceedings on board of that vessel, at the re-
membrance of which, even now, my blood curdles."

To pass away the time, Francisco then detailed
many scenes of horror to Diego which he had wit-
nessed when on board of the Avenger ; and he was still
in the middle of a narrative when a musket was dis-
charged by the farthermost sentinel.

*' Hark, Diego!"

Another, and another, nearer and nearer to them,
gave the signal that the boats were close at hand. In
a few minutes the men all came in, announcing that
the pirates were pulling up the stream in three boats,
and were less than a quarter of a mile from the
landing-place.

** Diego, go to the house with these men, and see
that all is ready," said Francisco j *M will wait here
a little longer : but do not fire till I come to you."

Diego and the men departed, and Francisco was
left on the beach alone.

In another minute the sound of the oars was

THE LANDING. 145

plainly distinguishable, and Francisco's ears were di-
rected to catch, if possible, the voices. " Yes, thought
he, you come with the intentions of murder and rob-
bery ; but you will, through me, be disappointed."
As the boats approached, he heard the voice of Hawk-
hurst. The signal muskets fired, had told the pirates
that they were discovered, and that, in all probability,
they would meet with resistance ; silence was, there-
fore, no longer of any advantage.

" Oars ! my lads — oars !" cried Hawkhurst.

One boat ceased rowing, and soon afterwards the
two others. The whole of them were now plainly seen
by Francisco, at the distance of about one cable's length
from where he stood ; and the clear still night carried
the sound of their voices along the water.

" Here is a creek, sir," said Hawkhurst, " leading
up to those buildings. Would it not be better to land
there, as, if they are not occupied, they will prove a
protection to us if we have a hard fight for it?"

*' Very true, Hawkhurst," replied a voice, which
Francisco immediately recognised to be that of Cain.

" He is alive, then," thought Francisco, " and his
blood is not yet upon my hands."

" Give way, my lads !" cried Hawkhurst.

The boats dashed up the creek, and Francisco
hastened back to the house.

*^ Now, my lads," said he, as he sprang up the
ladder, " you must be resolute ; we have to deal with
desperate men. I have heard the voices of the captain
and chief mate ; so there is no doubt as to its being the
pirate. The boats are up the creek, and will land

146 THE LANDING.

behind the oiil-buildings. Haul up these ladders, and
lay them fore and aft on the veranda ; and do not fire
without taking a good aim. Silence ! my men —
silence ! Here they come."

The pirates were now seen advancing from the out-
buildings in strong force. In the direction in which
they came, it was only from the side of the veranda,
at which not more than eight or ten men could be
placed, that the enemy could be repulsed. Francisco,
therefore, gave orders that as soon as some of the
men had fired they should retreat and load their
muskets, to make room for others.

When the pirates had advanced half way to the
house, on the clear space between it and the out-
buildings, Francisco gave the word to fire. The volley
was answered by another, and a shout from the pirates,
who, with Hawkhurst and Cain at their head, now
pressed on, but not until they had received a second
discharge from the Spaniards, and the pirates had
fired in return. As the Spaniards could not at first
fire a volley of more than a dozen muskets at a
time, their opponents imagined their force to be much
less than it really was. They now made other ar-
rangements. They spread themselves in a semicircle
in front of the veranda, and kept up a continued
galling fire. This was returned by the party under
Francisco for nearly a quarter of an hour; and, as
all the muskets were now called into action, the pirates
found out that they had a more formidable enemy to
cope with than they had anticipated.

It was now quite dark, and not a figure was to be

THE LANDING. 147

distinguished, except by the momentary flashing of the
fire-arms. Cain and Hawkhurst, leaving their men
to continue the attack, had gained the house, and a
position under the veranda. Examining the windows
and door, there appeared but little chance of forcing
an entrance ; but it immediately occurred to them,
that under the veranda their men would not be ex-
posed, and that they might fire through the wooden
floor of it upon those above. Hawkhurst hastened
away, and returned with about half the men, leaving
the others to continue their attack as before. The
advantage of this manoeuvre was soon evident. The
musket-balls of the pirates pierced the planks, and
wounded many of the Spaniards severely ; and Fran-
cisco was at last obliged to order his men to retreat
into the house, and fire out of the windows.

But even this warfare did not continue ; for the
supporting-pillars of the veranda being of wood and
very dry, they were set fire to by the pirates. Gradu-
ally the flames wound round them, and their forked
tongues licked the balustrade. At last, the whole of
the veranda was in flames. This was a great advan-
tage to the attacking party, who could now distinguish
the Spaniards without their being so clearly seen them-
selves. Many were killed and wounded. The smoke
and heat became so intense in the upper story, that
the men could no longer remain there ; and, by the
advice of Francisco, they retreated to the basement of
the house.

" What shall we do now, sefior?" said Diego, with
a grave face.

148 THE LANDING.

" Do?'* replied Francisco; " they have burnt the
veranda, that is all. The house will not take fire;
it is of solid stone ; the roof indeed may ; but still here
we are. I do not see that they are more advanced
than they were before. As soon as the veranda has
burnt down, we must return above, and commence
firing again from the windows."

" Hark, sir ! they are trying the door."

"They may try a long while; they should have
tried the door while the veranda protected them from
our sight. As soon as it is burnt we shall be able to
drive them away from it. I will go up again and see
how things are."

" No, senor ; it is of no use. Why expose yourself
now that the flames are so bright ?"

" I must go and see if that is the case, Diego.
Put all the wounded men in the north chamber; it
will be the safest, and more out of the way."

Francisco ascended the stone staircase, and gained
the upper story. The rooms were filled with smoke,
and he could distinguish nothing. An occasional
bullet whistled past him. He walked towards the
windows, and sheltered himself behind the wall between
them.

The flames were not so violent, and the heat more
bearable. In a short time, a crash, and then another,
told him that the veranda had fallen in. He looked
through the window. The mass of lighted embers
had fallen down in front of the house, and had, for a
time, driven away the assailants. Nothing was left
of the veranda but the burning ends of the joists fixed

THE LANDING. 149

in the wall above the windows, and the still glowing
remains of the posts which once supported it.

But the smoke from below now cleared away, and
the discharge of one or two muskets told Francisco
that he was perceived by the enemy.

" The roof is safe," thought he, as he withdrew
from the window ; " and now I do not know whether
the loss of the veranda may not prove a gain to us.'*

What were the intentions of the pirates it was
difficult to ascertain. For a time they left off firing,
and Francisco returned to his comrades. The smoke
had gradually cleared away, and they were able to
resume their position above ; but as the pirates did not
fire, they, of course, could do nothing, as it was only
by the flashing of the muskets that the enemy was
to be distinguished. No further attempts were made
at the door or windows below ; and Francisco in
vain puzzled himself as to the intended plans of the
assailants.

Nearly half- an -hour of suspense passed away.
Some of the Spaniards were of the opinion that they
had retreated to their boats and gone away, but Fran-
cisco knew them better. All he could do was to
remain above, and occasionally look out to discover
their motions. Diego, and one or two more, remained
with him ; the other men were kept below that they
might be out of danger.

" Holy Francis! but this has been a dreadful night,
seiior; how many hours until daylight?" said Diego.

" Two hours at least, I should think," replied
Francisco ; " but the affair will be decided before that."

150 THE LANDING.

" The saints protect us ! See, sefior, are they not
coming?"

Francisco looked through the gloom, in the direc-
tion of the out-buildings, and perceived a group of
men advancing. A few moments, and he could clearly
make them out.

" Yes, truly, Diego; and they have made ladders,
vrhich they are carrying. They intend to storm the
vrindows. Call them all up ; and now we must fight
hard indeed."

The Spaniards hastened up and filled the room
above, which had three windows in the front, looking
towards the river, and which had been sheltered by the
veranda.

" Shall we fire now, sefior?"

"No — no; do not fire till your muzzles are at
their hearts. They cannot mount more than two at
a time at each window. Recollect, my lads, that you
must now fight hard, for your lives will not be spared ;
they will shew no quarter and no mercy."

The ends of the rude ladders now made their ap-
pearance above the sill of each window. They had
been hastily, yet firmly, constructed ; and were nearly
as wide as the windows. A loud cheer was followed
by a simultaneous mounting of the ladders.

Francisco was at the centre window, when Hawk-
hurst made his appearance, sabre in hand. He struck
aside a musket aimed at him, and the ball whizzed
harmless over the broad water of the river. Another
step, and he would have been in, when Francisco fired
his pistol : the ball entered the left shoulder of Hawk-

THE LANDING. 151

hurst, and he dropped his hold. Before he could
regain it, a Spaniard charged at him with his musket,
and threw him back. He fell, bearing down with
him one or two of his comrades, who had been fol-
lowing him up the ladder.

Francisco felt as if the attack at that window was
of little consequence after the fall of Hawkhurst, whose
voice he had recognised ; and he hastened to the one
on the left, as he had heard Cain encouraging his men
in that direction. He was not wrong in his conjecture ;
Cain was at the window, attempting to force an en-
trance, but was opposed by Diego and other resolute
men. But the belt of the pirate captain was full of
pistols, and he had already fired three with effect.
Diego and the two best men were wounded, and the
others who opposed him were alarmed at his giant
proportions. Francisco rushed to attack him ; but
what was the force of so young a man against the
Herculean power of Cain? Still Francisco's left hand
was at the throat of the pirate, and the pistol was
pointed in his right, when the flash of another pistol,
fired by one who followed Cain, threw its momentary
vivid light upon the features of Francisco, as he cried
out "Blood for blood!" It was enough: the pirate
captain uttered a yell of terror at the supposed super-
natural appearance ; and he fell from the ladder in
a fit amongst the still burning embers of the veranda.

The fall of their two chiefs, and the determined
resistance of the Spaniards, checked the impetuosity
of the assailants. They hesitated ; and they at last
retreated, bearing away with them their wounded.

152 THE LANDING.

The Spaniards cheered, and, led by Francisco, followed
them down the ladders, and, in their turn, became
the assailants. Still the pirates' retreat was orderly :
they fired, and retired rank behind rank successively.
They kept the Spaniards at bay, until they had arrived
at the boats ; when a charge was made, and a severe
conflict ensued. But the pirates had lost too many
men, and, without their commander, felt dispirited.
Hawkhurst was still on his legs, and giving orders
as coolly as ever. He espied Francisco, and rush-
ing at him, while the two parties were opposed muzzle
to muzzle, seized him by his collar and dragged him
in amongst the pirates. " Secure him at all events,"
cried Hawkhurst, as they slowly retreated and gained
the out-houses. Francisco was overpowered and hauled
into one of the boats, all of which in a few minutes
afterwards were pulling with all their might to escape
from the muskets of the Spaniards, who followed the
pirates by the banks of the river, annoying them in
their retreat.

1 .'^

f J

'{

iWMffi!!, .,!,,

"'^-'<IM^

i

153

CHAPTER XIV.

THE MEETING.

The pirates returned to their vessel discomfited.
Those on board, who were prepared to hoist in ingots
of precious metal, had to receive nought but wounded
men, and many of their comrades had remained dead
on the shore. Their captain was melancholy and down-
cast. Hawkhurst was badly wounded, and obliged to be
carried below as soon as he came on board. The only
capture which they had made was their former associate
Francisco, who, by the last words spoken by Hawk-
hurst as he was supported to his cabin, was ordered to
be put into irons. The boats were hoisted in without
noise, and a general gloom prevailed. All sail was
then made upon the schooner, and, when the day
dawned, she was seen by the Spaniards far away to the
northward.

The report was soon spread through the schooner
that Francisco had been the cause of their defeat ;
and, although this was only a surmise, still, as they
considered that, had he not recognised the vessel, the
Spaniards would not have been prepared, they had
good grounds for what had swelled into an assertion.
He became, therefore, to many of them an object of
bitter enmity, and they looked forward with pleasure

154 THE MEETING.

to his destruction, which his present confinement they
considered but the precursor of.

" Hist! Massa Francisco !" said a low voice near to
where Francisco sat on the chest. Francisco turned
round and beheld the Krouman, his old friend.

" Ah ! Pompey, are you all still on board," said
Francisco ?

"All! no," replied the man, shaking his head;
*' some die — some get away — only four Kroumen left.
Massa Francisco, how you come back again ? Every
body tink you dead. I say no, not dead — ab charm
with him — ab book."

*' If that was my charm, I have it still," replied
Francisco, taking the Bible out of his vest ; for, strange
to say, Francisco himself had a kind of superstition
relative to that Bible, and had put it into his bosom
previous to the attack made by the pirates.

'^ Dat very good, Massa Francisco ; den you quite
safe. Here come Johnson — he very bad man. I go
away."

In the mean time Cain had retired to his cabin
with feelings scarcely to be analysed. He was in a
bewilderment. Notwithstanding; the wound he had
received by the hand of Francisco, he would never have
sanctioned Hawkhurst putting him on shore on a
spot which promised nothing but a lingering and
miserable death. Irritated as he had been by the
young man's open defiance, he loved him, loved him
much more than he was aware of himself ; and when
he had recovered sufficiently from his wound, and had
been informed where Francisco had been sent on shore,

THE MEETING. 155

he quarrelled with Hawkhurst, and reproached him
bitterly and sternly, in language which Hawkhurst
never forgot or forgave. The vision of the starving
lad haunted Cain, and rendered him miserable. His
affection for him, now that he was, as he supposed, lost
for ever, increased with tenfold force ; and since that
period Cain had never been seen to smile. He became
more gloomy, more ferocious than before, and the men
trembled when he appeared on deck.

The apparition of Francisco after so long an in-
terval, and in such an unexpected quarter of the globe,
acted, as we have before described, upon Cain. When
he was taken to the boat he was still confused in his
ideas ; and it was not until they were nearly on board,
that he perceived that this young man was indeed at
his side. He could have fallen on his neck and kissed
him ; for Francisco had become to him a capture more
prized than all the wealth of the Indies. But one
pure, good feeling was still unextinguished in the bosom
of Cain ; stained with every crime — with his hands so
deeply imbrued in blood — at enmity with all the rest
of the world; — that one feeling burnt bright and clear,
and was not to be quenched. It might have proved
a beacon-light to steer him back to repentance and to
good works.

But there were other feelings which also crowded
upon the mind of the pirate captain. He knew Fran-
cisco's firmness and decision. By some inscrutable
means, which Cain considered as supernatural, Fran-
cisco had obtained the knowledge, and had accused
him, of his mother's death. Would not the affection

156 THE MEETING.

which he felt for the young man be met with hatred
and defiance ? He was but too sure that it would ; and
then his gloomy, cruel disposition would reassume its
influence, and he thought of revenging the attack
upon his life. His astonishment at the reappearance
of Francisco was equally great, and he trembled at the
sight of him as if he was his accusing and condemning
spirit. Thus did he wander from one fearful fancy to
another, until he at last summoned up resolution to
send for him.

A morose dark man, whom Francisco had not seen
when he was before in the schooner, obeyed the com-
mands of the captain. The irons were unlocked, and
Francisco was brought down into the cabin. The cap-
tain rose and shut the door.

'' I little thought to see you here, Francisco," said
Cain.

^' Probably not," replied Francisco, boldly ; ** but
you have me again in your power, and may now wreak
your vengeance."

" I feel none, Francisco; nor would I have suf-
fered you to have been put on shore as you were, had
I known of it. Even now that our expedition has
failed through your means, I feel no anger towards
you, although I shall have some difficulty in preserving
you from the enmity of others. Indeed, Francisco, I
am glad to find that you are alive, and I have bitterly
mourned your loss :" and Cain extended his hand.

But Francisco folded his arms, and was silent.

" Are you then so unforgiving?" said the captain ;
** you know that I tell the truth."

THE MEETING. 157

*' I believe that you state the truth, Captain Cain,
for you are too bold to lie ; and, as far as I am con-
cerned, you have all the forgiveness you may wish :
but I cannot take that hand — nor are our accounts
still settled."

"What would you more? Cannot- we be friends
again? I do not ask you to remain on board. You
are free to go where you please. Come, Francisco,
take my hand, and let us forget what is passed."

" The hand that is imbrued with my mother's blood,
perhaps !" exclaimed Francisco — '' Never !"

" Not so, by God !" exclaimed Cain. " No, no ;
not quite so bad as that. In my mood I struck your
mother, I grant it. I did not intend to injure her, but
I did, and she died. I will not lie — that is the fact ;
and it is also the fact that I wept over her, Francisco,
for I loved her as I do you. (It was a hasty, bitter
blow that," continued Cain, soliloquising, with his hand
to his forehead, and unconscious of Francisco's presence
at the moment. " It made me what I am, for it made
me reckless). Francisco," said Cain, raising his
head, " I was bad, but I was no pirate when your
mother lived. There is a curse upon me ; that which
I love most I treat the worst. Of all the world, I loved
your mother most — yet did she from me receive most
injury, and at last I caused her death. Next to your
mother, whose memory I at once revere and love, and
tremble when I think of — and each night does she
appear to me — I have loved you, Francisco — for
you, like her, have an angel's feelings ; yet have I

158 THE MEETING.

treated you as ill. You thwarted me, and you were
right. Had you heen wrong I had not cared, but you
were right, and it maddened me — your appeals by day
— your mother's in my dreams."

Francisco's heart was softened ; if not repentance,
there was at least contrition. " Indeed, I pity you,"
replied Francisco.

" You must do more, Francisco ; you must be
friends with me," said Cain, again extending his
hand.

" I cannot take that hand — it is too deeply died in
blood," replied Francisco.

*' Well, well, so would have said your mother.
But hear me, Francisco," said Cain, lowering his voice
to a whisper, lest he should be overheard — " I am tired
of this life — perhaps sorry for what I have done — I
wish to leave it — have wealth in plenty concealed
where others know it not. Tell me, Francisco, shall
we both quit this vessel, and live together happily
and without doing wrong ? You shall share all,
Francisco. Say, now, does that please you?"

" Yes ; it pleases me to hear that you will abandon
your lawless life, Captain Cain : but share your wealth
I cannot, for how has it been gained ?"

" It cannot be returned, Francisco ; I will do good
with it. I will, indeed, Francisco. I — will — repent :"
and again the hand was extended.

Francisco hesitated.

'^ I do — so help me God! I do repent, Francisco,"
exclaimed the pirate captain.

THE MEETING. 159

" And I, as a Christian, do forgive you all," replied
Francisco, taking the still extended hand. " May God
forgive you, too !"

" Amen !" replied the pirate, solemnly, covering his
face up in his hands.

In this position he remained some minutes, Fran-
cisco vs^atching him in silence. At last the face was
uncovered, and, to the surprise of Francisco, a tear
vras on the cheek of Cain, and his eyes suffused with
moisture. Francisco no longer waited for the hand to
be extended ; he walked up to the captain, and, taking
him by the hand, pressed it warmly.

" God bless you, boy! God bless you !" said Cain ;
" but leave me now."

Francisco returned on deck with a light and grate-
ful heart. His countenance at once told those who
were near him that he was not condemned, and many
who dared not before take notice of, now saluted him.
The man who had taken him out of irons looked
round ; he was a creature of Hawkhurst, and he knew
not how to act. Francisco observed him, and, with a
wave of his hand, ordered him to go below. That
Francisco was again in authority was instantly per-
ceived ; and the first proof of it was, that the new
second mate reported to him that there was a sail on
the weather bow.

Francisco took the glass to examine her. It was a
large schooner under all sail. Not wishing that any
one should enter the cabin but himself, he went down
to the cabin-door, and knocked before he entered, and
reported the vessel.

160 THE MEETING.

'^ Thank you, Francisco ; you must take Hawk-
hurst's duty for the present — it shall not be for long;
and fear not that I shall make another capture. I
swear to you I will not, Francisco. But this schooner —
I know very well what she is : she has been looking
after us some time ; and a week ago, Francisco, I was
anxious to meet her that I might shed more blood.
Now I will do all I can to avoid her, and escape. I
can do no more, Francisco. I must not be taken."

" There I cannot blame you. To avoid her will
be easy, I should think; the Avenger outsails every
thing."

'^ Except, I believe, the Enterprise, which is a sister
vessel. By heavens ! it's a fair match," continued Cain,
his feelings of combativeness returning for a moment ;
" and it will look like a craven to refuse the fight :
but fear not, Francisco — I have promised you, and I
shall keep my word."

Cain went on deck, and surveyed the vessel through
the glass.

" Yes, it must be her," said he aloud, so as to be
heard by the pirates ; " she has been sent out by the
admiral on purpose, full of his best men. What a pity
we are so shorthanded !"

" There's enough of us, sir," observed the boat-
swain.

" Yes," replied Cain, " if there was any thing but
hard blows to be got; but that is all, and I cannot
spare more men. Ready, about!" continued he, walk-
ing aft.

THE MEETING. 161

The Enterprise, for she was the vessel in pursuit, was
then about five miles distant, steering for the Avenger,
who was on a wind. As soon as the Avenger tacked,
the Enterprise took in her topmast studding-sail, and
hauled her wind. This brought the Enterprise well
on the weather-quarter of the Avenger, who now made
all sail. The pirates, who had had quite enough of
fighting, and were not stimulated by the presence of
Hawkhurst, or the wishes of their captain, now shewed
as much anxiety to avoid as they usually did to seek
a combat.

At the first trial of sailing between the two schooners
there was no perceptible difference; for half an hour
they both continued on a wind, and, when Edward
Templemore examined his sextant a second time, he
could not perceive that he had gained upon the Avenger
one cable's length.

" We will keep away half a point," said Edward to
his second in command. " We can afford that, and
still hold the weather-gage."

The Enterprise was kept away, and increased her
speed : they neared the Avenger more than a quarter
of a mile.

" They are nearing us," observed Francisco ; ^' we
must keep away a point."

Away went the Avenger, and would have recovered
her distance, but the Enterprise was again steered more
off the wind.

Thus did they continue altering their course until the
studding-sails below and aloft were set by both, and the
position of the schooners was changed ; the Enterprise

162 THE MEETING.

now being on the starboard instead of the larboard
quarter of the Avenger. The relative distance between
the two schooners was, however, nearly the same, that
is, about three miles and a half from each other ; and
there was every prospect of a long and weary chase on
the part of the Enterprise, who again kept away a point
to near the Avenger. Both vessels were now running
to the eastward.

It was about an hour before dark that another sail
hove in sight right a-head of the Avenger, and was
clearly made out to be a frigate. The pirates were
alarmed at this unfortunate circumstance, as there was
little doubt but that she would prove a British cruiser ;
and, if not, they had equally reason to expect that she
would assist in their capture. She had evidently per-
ceived the two schooners, and had made all sail,
tacking every quarter of an hour so as to keep her
relative position. The Enterprise, who had also made
out the frigate, to attract her attention, although not
within range of the Avenger, commenced firing with
her long-gun.

" This is rather awkward," observed Cain.

" It will be dark in less than an hour,'' observed
Francisco ; " and that is our only chance."

Cain reflected a minute.

*' Get the long-gun ready, my lads ! We will
return her fire, Francisco, and hoist American colours ;
that will puzzle the frigate at all events, and the night
may do the rest."

The long-gun of the Avenger was ready.

" I would not fire the long-gun," observed Fran-

THE MEETING. 163

cisco ; "it will shew our force, and will give no
reason for our attempt to escape. Now, if we were
to fire our broadside guns, the difference of report
between them and the one of large calibre fired by
the other schooner, would induce them to think that
we are an American vessel."

" Very true," replied Cain ; " and as America is
at peace with all the world, that our antagonist is
a pirate. Hold fast the long-gun, there ! and unship
the starboard ports. See that that ensign blows out
clear."

The Avenger commenced firing an occasional gun
from her broadside, the reports of which were hardly
to be heard by those on board of the frigate ; while the
long -gun of the Enterprise reverberated along the
water, and its loud resonance was swept by the wind to
the frigate to leeward.

Such was the state of affairs when the sun sank
down in the wave, and darkness obscured the vessels
from each other's sight, except with the assistance of
the night-telescopes.

" What do you propose to do, Captain Cain?" said
Francisco.

" I have made up my mind to do a bold thing.
I will run down to the frigate as if for shelter; tell
him that the other vessel is a pirate, and claim his
protection. Leave me to escape afterwards ; the moon
will not rise till nearly one o'clock."

" That will be a bold ruse indeed ; but suppose
you are once under her broadside, and she suspects

you?"

164 THE MEETING.

" Then I will shew her my heels. I should care
nothing for her and her broadside if the schooner was
not here."

In an hour after dark, the Avenger was close to
the frigate, having steered directly for her. She
shortened sail gradually, as if she had few hands on
board ; and, keeping his men out of sight, Cain ran
under the stern of the frigate.

'* Schooner, ahoy ! What schooner is that ?"

" Eliza of Baltimore, from Carthagena," replied
Cain, rounding to under the lee of the man-of-war,
and then continuing : " That vessel in chase is a pirate.
Shall I send a boat on board ? "

** No ; keep company with us."

" Ay, ay, sir," replied Cain.

" Hands, about ship !" now resounded with the boat-
swain's whistles on board of the frigate, and in a
minute they were on the other tack. The Avenger
also tacked and kept close under the frigate's counter.

In the mean time, Edward Templemore and those
on board of the Enterprise, who by the course steered
had gradually neared them, perceiving the motions of
the two other vessels, were quite puzzled. At one
time they thought they had made a mistake, and that
it was not the pirate vessel ; at another they surmised
that the crew had mutinied and surrendered to the
frigate. Edward hauled his wind, and steered directly
for them, to ascertain what the real facts were. The
captain of the frigate, who had never lost sight of
either vessel, was equally astonished at the boldness
of the supposed pirate.

THE MEETING. 1G5

" Surely the rascal does not intend to board us,"
said he to the first-lieutenant.

" There is no saying, sir ; you know what a character
he has : and some say there are ttiree hundred men on
board, which is equal to our ship's company."

" Or, perhaps, sir, he will pass to windward of us,
and give us a broadside, and be off in the wind's-eye
again."

'^ At all events we will have a broadside ready for
him," replied the captain. " Clear away the starboard
guns, and take out the tompions. Pipe starboard-watch
to quarters."

The Enterprise closed with the frigate to windward,
intending to run round her stern and bring to on the
same tack.

*' He does not shorten sail yet, sir," said the first-
lieutenant, as the schooner appeared skimming along
about a cable's length on their weather bow.

" And she is full of men, sir," said the master,
looking at her through the night-glass.

" Fire a gun at her!" said the captain.

Bang ! The smoke cleared away, and the
schooner's foretopsail, which she was in act of
clewing up, lay over her side. The shot had struck
the foremast of the Enterprise, and cut it in two
below the catharpings. The Enterprise was, for the
time, completely disabled.

" Schooner, ahoy ! What schooner is that ?"

" His majesty's schooner Enterprise."

'* Send a boat on board immediately."

" Ay, ay, sir."

166 THE MEETING.

" Turn the hands up ! Shorten sail !"

The top-gallants and courses of the frigate were
taken in, and the mainsail hove to the mast.

" Signalman, whereabouts is that other schooner
now?"

" The schooner, sir? On the quarter," replied the
signalman, who, with every body else on board, was
so anxious about the Enterprise, that they had neg-
lected to watch the motions of the supposed American.
The man had replied at random, and he now jumped
upon the signal-chests abaft to look for her. But she
was not to be seen. Cain, who had watched all that
passed between the other two vessels, and had been
prepared to slip off at a moment's warning, as soon
as the gun was fired at the other schooner, had wore
round and made all sail on a wind. The night-glass
discovered her half a mile astern ; and the ruse was
immediately perceived. The frigate filled and made
sail, leaving Edward to return on board — for there
was no time to stop for the boat — tacked, and gave
chase. But the Avenger was soon in the wind's-eye
of her ; and at daylight was no longer to be seen.

In the mean time Edward Tempi emore had fol-
lowed the frigate as soon as he could set sail on his
vessel, indignant at his treatment, and vowing that
he would demand a court-martial. About noon the
frigate rejoined him, when matters were fully ex-
plained. Annoyed as they all felt at not having cap-
tured the pirate, it was unanimously agreed, that by
his audacity and coolness he deserved to escape. It
was found that the mast of the Enterprise could be

THE MEETING. 167

fished and scarfed, so as to enable her to continue her
cruise. The carpenters of the frigate were sent on
board ; and in two days the injury was repaired, and
Edward Templemore once more went in pursuit of the
Avenger.

168

CHAPTER XV,

THE MISTAKE.

The Avenger stood under a press of sail to the north-
ward. She had left her pursuers far behind ; and
there was not a speck on the horizon, when, on the
second morning, Francisco, who had resumed his berth
in the captain's cabin, went up on deck. Notwithstand-
ing the request of Cain, Francisco refused to take any
part in the command of the schooner, considering him-
self as a passenger, or prisoner on parole. He had not
been on deck but a few minutes, when he observed the
two Spanish fishermen belonging to the establishment
of Don Cumanos conversing together forward. Their
capture had quite escaped his memory, and he went
forward to speak to them. Their surprise at seeing
him was great, until Francisco informed them of what
had passed. They then recounted what had occurred
to them, and shewed their thumbs, which had been put
into screws to torture from them the truth. Francisco
shuddered, but consoled them, promising that they
should soon be at liberty, and return to their former
master.

As Francisco returned from forward, he found
Hawkhurst on the deck. Their eyes met and flashed

THE MISTAKE. 169

in enmity. Hawkhurst was pale from loss of blood,
and evidently suffering ; but he had been informed of
the apparent reconciliation between Francisco and the
captain, and he could no longer remain in his bed.
He knew, also, how the captain had avoided the
combat with the Enterprise ; and something told him
that there was a revolution of feeling in more than in
one point. Suffering as he was, he resolved to be a
spectator of what passed, and to watch narrowly. For
both Francisco and Cain he had imbibed a deadly
hatred, and was watching for an opportunity to wreak
his revenge. At present they were too powerful ; but
he felt that the time was coming when he might be
triumphant.

Francisco passed Hawkhurst without speaking.

" You are at liberty again, I see," observed Hawk-
hurst with a sneer.

" I am not, at all events, indebted to you for it,"
replied Francisco haughtily; ^' nor for my life either."

" No, indeed ; but I believe that I am indebted
to you for this bullet in my shoulder," replied the
mate.

*' You are," replied Francisco coolly.

" And depend upon it the debt shall be repaid with
usury."

" I have no doubt of it, if ever it is in your power;
but I fear you not."

As Francisco made this reply, the captain came
up the ladder. Hawkhurst turned away and walked
forward.

" There is mischief in that man, Francisco," said

170 THE MISTAKE.

the captain in an under tone ; " I hardly know whom
to trust; but he must be watched. He is tampering
with the men, and has been for some time; not that
it is of much consequence, if he does but remain quiet
for a little while. The command of this vessel he is
welcome to very soon ; but if he attempts too early — "

" I have those I can trust to/' replied Francisco.
*' Let us go below."

Francisco sent for Pompey the Krouman, and gave
him his directions in the presence of the captain. That
night, to the surprise of all, Hawkhurst kept his watch ;
and, notwithstanding the fatigue, appeared every day
to be rapidly recovering from his wound.

Nothing occurred for several days, during which
the Avenger still continued her course. What the
captain's intentions were did not transpire ; they were
known only to Francisco.

" We are very short of water, sir," reported Hawk-
hurst one. morning : " shall we have enough to last
us to where we are going ? "

" How many days of full allowance have we on
board?"

" Not above twelve at the most."

" Then we must go on half allowance," replied
Cain.

" The ship's company wish to know where we are
going, sir."

" Have they deputed you to ask the question ?"

^' Not exactly, sir ; but I wish to know myself,"
replied Hawkhurst, with an insolent air.

" Turn the hands up," replied Cain : *' as one of

THE MISTAKE. 171

the ship's company under my orders, you will, with
the others, receive the information you require."

The crew of the pirate collected aft.

" My lads !" said Cain, ^' I understand, from the
first mate, that you are anxious to know where you
are going? In reply, I acquaint you, that having so
many wounded men on board, and so much plunder
in the hold, I intend to repair to our rendezvous when
we were formerly in this part of the world — the
Caicos. Is there any other question you may wish
to ask of me?"

*' Yes," replied Hawkhurst ; '^ we wish to know
what your intentions are relative to that young man,
Francisco ? We have lost immense wealth ; we have
now thirty men wounded in the hammocks, and
nine we left dead on the shore ; and I have a bullet
through my body ; all which has been occasioned by
him. We demand justice !"

Here Hawkhurst was supported by several of the
pirates ; and there were many voices which repeated
the cry of ^' Justice !"

" My men ! You demand justice, and you shall
have it," replied Cain. " This lad you all know well ;
I have brought him up as a child. He has always
disliked our mode of life, and has often requested to
leave it, and has been refused. He challenged me by
our own laws, ' Blood for blood ! ' He wounded me ;
but he was right in his challenge, and, therefore, I bear
no malice. Had I been aware that he was to have
been sent on shore to die with hunger, I would not
have permitted it. What crime had he committed?

J pi THE MISTAKE.

None ; or, if any, it was against me. He was then
sentenced to death for no crime, and you yourselves
exclaimed against it. Is it not true?"

" Yes — yes," replied the majority of the pirates.

" By a miracle he escapes, and is put in charge
of another man's property. There was no crime in
defending that property. He is made a prisoner, and
now you demand justice. You shall have it. Allow-
ing that his life is forfeit for this offence, — you have
already sentenced him, and left him to death unjustly,
and therefore are bound in justice to give his life in this
instance. I ask it, my men, not only as his right, but
as a favour to your captain."

*' Agreed ! its all fair!" exclaimed the majority of
the pirate's crew.

" My men, I thank you," replied Cain ; *' and, in
return, as soon as we arrive at the Caicos, my share of
the plunder on board shall be divided among you."

This last observation completely turned the tables
in favour of the captain; and those who had joined
Hawkhurst, now sided with the captain. Hawkhurst
looked like a demon.

" Let those who choose to be bought off, take
your money," replied he ; " but I will not. Blood for
blood I will have ; and so I give you warning. That
lad's life is mine, and have it I will ! Prevent me, if
you can !" continued the mate ; holding up his clenched
hand, and shaking it almost in the pirate-captain's
face.

The blood mantled even to the forehead of Cain.
One moment he raised himself to his utmost height.

THE MISTAKE. 173

then seizing a handspike, which lay near, he felled
Hawkhurst to the deck.

''Take that, for your mutiny!" exclaimed Cain,
putting his foot on Hawkhurst's neck. " My lads, I
appeal to you. Is this man worthy to be in command,
as mate ? Is he to live ? "

" No! no!" cried the pirates; " Death!"

Francisco stepped forward. *' My men, you have
granted your captain one favour ; grant me another —
which is the life of this man. Recollect how often he
has led you to conquest, and how brave and faithful he
has been until now ! Recollect that he is suffering
under his wound, which has made him irritable.
Command you he cannot any longer, as he will never
have the confidence of your captain ; but let him live,
and quit the vessel."

''Be it so, if you agree," replied Cain, looking at
the men ; " I do not seek his life."

The pirates consented. Hawkhurst rose slowly
from the deck, and was assisted below to his cabin.
The second mate was then appointed as the first, and the
choice of the man to fill up the vacancy was left to the
pirate-crew.

For three days after this scene all was quiet and
orderly on board of the pirate. Cain, now that he
had more fully made up his mind how to act, imparted
to Francisco his plans ; and his giving up to the men
his share of the booty still on board, was, to Fran-
cisco, an earnest of his good intentions. A cordiality,
even a kind of feeling which never existed before, was
created between them ; but of Francisco's mother, and

174 THE MISTAKE.

and the former events of his own life, the pirate never
spoke. Francisco more than once put questions on the
subject; the answer was, — ^' You shall know some of
these days, Francisco, but not yet; you would hate
me too much!"

The Avenger was now clear of the English isles,
and, with light winds, running down the shores of Porto
Rico. In the evening of the day on which they had made
the land, the schooner was becalmed about three miles
from the shore, and the new first mate proposed that
he should land in the boat and obtain a further supply
of water, from a fall which they had discovered with
the glasses. As this was necessary, Cain gave his con-
sent, and the boat quitted the vessel full of breakers.

Now it happened that the Avenger lay becalmed
abreast of the country-seat of Don d'Alfarez, the
governor of the island. Clara had seen the schooner ;
and, as usual, had thrown out the white curtain as a signal
of recognition ; for there was no perceptible difference,
even to a sailor, at that distance, between the Avenger
and the Enterprise. She had hastened down to the
beach, and hurried into the cave, awaiting the arrival
of Edward Templemore. The pirate-boat landed at
the very spot of rendezvous, and the mate leaped out
of the boat. Clara flew to receive her Edward, and
was instantly seized by the mate, before she discovered
her mistake.

** Holy Virgin ! who and what are you V cried she ;
struggling to disengage herself.

** One who is very fond of a pretty girl!" replied
the pirate; still detaining her.

THE MISTAKE. 175

" Unhand me, wretch ! " cried Clara ; " are you
aware whom you are addressing?"

" Not I ! nor do I care ; " replied the pirate.

" You will, perhaps, sir, when you learn that I am
the daughter of the governor!" exclaimed Clara, push-
ing him away.

^' Yes ! by heavens ! you are right, pretty lady, I
do care ; for a governor's daughter will fetch a good
ransom at all events. So come, my lads, a little help
here ; for she is as strong as a young mule. Never
mind the water, throw the breakers into the boat
again! we have a prize worth taking!"

Clara screamed ; but she was gagged with a hand-
kerchief, and lifted into the boat, which immediately
rowed back to the schooner.

When the mate came on board and reported his
capture, the pirates were delighted at the prospect of
addition to their prize-money. Cain could not, of
course, raise any objections ; it would have been so
different from his general practice, that it would have
strengthened suspicions already set afloat by Hawk-
hurst, which Cain was most anxious just then to
remove. He ordered the girl to be taken down into
the cabin, hoisted in the boat, and the breeze springing
up again, made sail.

In the mean time Francisco was consoling the un-
fortunate Clara, and assuring her that she need be
under no alarm ; promising her protection from him-
self and the captain.

The poor girl wept bitterly; and it was not until
Cain came down into the cabin and corroborated the

176 THE MISTAKE.

assurances of Francisco, that she could assume any
degree of composure ; but to find friends when she had
expected every insult and degradation — for Francisco
had acknowledged that the vessel was a pirate — was
some consolation. The kindness and attention of Fran-
cisco restored her to comparative tranquillity.

The next day, she confided to him the reason of her
coming to the beach, and her mistake with regard to
the two vessels ; and Francisco and Cain promised her
that they would themselves pay her ransom, and not
wait until she heard from her father. To divert her
thoughts, Francisco talked much about Edward Tem-
plemore ; and on that subject Clara could always talk.
Every circumstance attending the amour was soon
known to Francisco.

But the Avenger did not gain her rendezvous as
soon as she expected. When to the northward of Porto
Rico, an English frigate bore down upon her, and the
Avenger was obliged to run for it. Before the wind is
always a schooner's worst point of sailing; and the
chase was continued for three days before a fresh w^ind
from the southward, until they had passed the Ba-
hama Isles.

The pirates suffered much from want of water, as
it was necessary still further to reduce their allowance.
The frigate was still in sight, although the Avenger had
dropped her astern when the wind became light, and
at last it subsided into a calm, which lasted two days
more. The boats of the frigate were hoisted out on the
eve of the second day to attack the schooner, then
distant five miles, when a breeze sprang up from the

THE MISTAKE.

northward, and. the schooner being then to windward,
left the enemy hull down.

It was not until the next day that Cain ventured
to run again to the southward, to procure at one of the
keys the water so much required. At last it was ob-
tained ; but with difficulty and much loss of time from
the scantiness of the supply, and they again made sail
for the Caicos. But they were so much impeded by
contrary winds and contrary currents, that it was not
until three weeks after thev had been chased from
Porto Rico that they made out the low land of their
former rendezvous.

We must now return to Edward Templemore in
the Enterprise, whom we left off the coast of South
America in search of the Avenger, which had so
strangely slipped through their fingers. Edward had
examined the whole coast, ran through the passage
and round Trinidad, and then started off to the Lee-
ward Isles in his pursuit. He had spoken every vessel
he met with, without gaining any information, and
had, at last, arrived off Porto Rico.

This was no time to think of Clara ; but, as it was
not out of his way, he had run down the island ; and
as it was just before dark before he arrived off that part
of the coast where the governor resided, he had hove
to for a little while, and had examined the windows ;
but the signal of recognition was not made ; and, after
waiting till dark, he again made sail, mad with dis-
appointment, and fearing that all had been discovered
by the governor ; whereas, the fact was, that he had
arrived only two days after the forcible abduction of

178 THE MISTAKE.

Clara. Once more he directed his attention to the
discovery of the pirate ; and after a fortnight's exa-
mination of the inlets and bays of the Island of
St. Domingo, without success, his provisions and
vi^ater being nearly expended, he returned, in no very
happy mood, to Port Royal.

In the meantime, the disappearance of Clara had
created the greatest confusion in Porto Rico; and,
upon the examination of her attendant, who was con-
fronted by the friar and the duenna, the amour of her
mistress was confessed. The appearance of the Avenger
off the coast on that evening, confirmed their ideas that
the Donna Clara had been carried off by the English
lieutenant; and Don Alfarez immediately despatched
a vessel to Jamaica, complaining of the outrage, and
demanding the restoration of his daughter.

This vessel arrived at Port Royal a few days before
the Enterprise, and the admiral was very much asto-
nished. He returned a very polite answer to Don
Alfarez, promising an investigation immediately upon
the arrival of the schooner, and to send a vessel with
the result of the said investigation.

" This is a pretty business," said the admiral to his
secretary. '* Young madcap ! I sent him to look after
a pirate, and he goes after the governor's daughter !
By the lord Harry ! Mr. Templemore, but you and
I shall have an account to settle."

^* I can hardly believe it, sir," replied the secre-
tary ; " and yet it does look suspicious. But on so
short an acquaintance — "

" Who knows that, Mr. Hadley ? Send for his

THE MISTAKE. 179

logs, and let us examine them ; he may have been
keeping up the acquaintance."

The logs of the Enterprise were examined, — and
there were the fatal words — Porto Rico — Porto Rico,
bearing in every division of the compass ; and in
every separate cruise, nay, even when the schooner
was charged with despatches.

** Plain enough!" said the admiral. " Confounded
young scamp ! — to embroil me this way. Not that his
marrying the girl is any business of mine ; but I will
punish him for disobedience of orders, at all events !
Try him by a court-martial, by heavens ! "

The secretary made no reply : he knew very well
that the admiral would do no such thing.

'' The Enterprise anchored at daylight, sir;" re-
ported the secretary, as the admiral sat down to
breakfast.

*' And where's Mr. Templemore?"

*' He is outside, in the verandah. They have told
him below of what he has been accused, and he swears
it is false. I believe him, sir; for he appears half mad
at the intelligence."

" Stop a moment ! Have you looked over his
log?"

" Yes, sir. It appears that he was off Porto Rico
on the 19th; but the Spanish governor's letter says
that he was there on the 17th, and again made his
appearance on the 19th. I mentioned it to him ; and
he declares, upon his honour, that he was only there
on the 19th, as stated in his log."

" Well! let him come in and speak for himself."

180 THE MISTAKE.

Edward came in, in a state of great agitation.

" Well, Mr. Templemore ! — you have been playing
pretty tricks ! What is all this, sir ? — Where is the
girl, sir — the governor's daughter?"

" Where she is, sir, I cannot pretend to say ; but
I feel convinced that she has been carried off by the
pirates."

*' Pirates ! — Poor girl ! I pity her — and — I pity
you, too, Edward. Come, sit down here, and tell me
all that has happened."

Edward knew the admiral's character, so well that
he immediately disclosed all that had passed between
him and Clara. He then stated how the Avenger had
escaped him by deceiving the frigate ; and the agree-
ment made with Clara to meet for the future on the
beach; with his conviction that the pirate schooner,
so exactly similar in appearance to the Enterprise,
must have preceded him at Porto Rico, and have car-
ried oiF the object of his attachment.

Although Edward might have been severely taken
to task, yet the admiral pitied him, and therefore said
nothing about his visits to Porto Rico. When break-
fast was over, he ordered the signal to be made for a
sloop of war to prepare to weigh, and the Enterprise
to be re-victualled by the boats of the squadron.

" Now, Edward, you and the Comus shall sail in
company after this rascally pirate ; and 1 trust you will
give me a good account of her, and also of the gover-
nor's daughter. Cheer up, my boy ! depend upon it,
they will try for ransom before they do her any injury."
That evening the Enterprise and Comus sailed on

THE MISTAKE. 181

their expedition ; and, having run by Porto Rico, and
delivered a letter to the governor, they steered to the
northward, and early the next morning made the land
of the Caicos, just as the Avenger had skirted the
reefs, and bore up for the narrow entrance.

" There she is !" exclaimed Edward ; " there she is,
by heavens ! " making the signal for the enemy ; which
was immediately answered by the Comus.

182

CHAPTER XVI.

THE CAICOS.

The small patch of islands called the Caicos or Cayques,
is situated about two degrees to the northward of St.
Domingo, and are nearly the southernmost of a chain
which extend up to the Bahamas. Most of the islands
of this chain are uninhabited, but were formerly the
resort of piratical vessels, as the reefs and shoals with
which they are all surrounded afforded them protection
from their larger pursuers; and the passages through
this dangerous navigation being known only to the
pirates who frequented them, proved an additional secu-
rity. The largest of the Caicos islands forms a curve
like an opened horse-shoe to the southward, with safe
and protected anchorage when once in the bay on the
southern side ; but, previous to arriving at the an-
chorage, there are coral reefs extending upwards of
forty miles, through which it is necessary to conduct
a vessel. This passage is extremely intricate, but was
well known to Hawkhurst, who had hitherto been
pilot. Cain was not so well acquainted with it, and
it required the greatest care in taking in the vessel,
as, on the present occasion, Hawkhurst could not be
called upon for this service. The islands themselves,

THE CAICOS. 183

for there were several of them, were composed of coral
rock : a few cocoa-trees raised their lofty heads where
there was sufficient earth for vegetation, and stunted
brushwood rose up between the interstices of the rocks.
But the chief peculiarity of the islands, and which
rendered them suitable to those who frequented them,
was the numerous caves with which the rocks were
perforated, some above high-water mark, but the ma-
jority with the sea-water flowing in and out of them,
in some cases merely rushing in, and, at high-water,
filling deep pools, which were detached from each other
when the tide receded ; in others, with a sufficient
depth of water, at all times, to allow you to pull in with
a large boat. It is hardly necessary to observe how
convenient the higher and dry caves were as receptacles
for articles which were intended to be concealed until
an opportunity occurred for disposing of them.

In our last chapter we stated, that, just as the
Avenger had entered the passage through the reefs,
the Comus and Enterprise hove in sight and discovered
her : but it will be necessary to explain the positions
of the vessels. The Avenger had entered the southern
channel, with the wind from the southward, and had
carefully sounded her way for about four miles, under
little or no sail.

The Enterprise and Comus had been examining
Turk's Island, to the eastward of the Caicos, and had
passed to the northward of it on the larboard tack,
standing in for the northern point of the reef, which
joined on to the great Caicos Island. They were, there-
fore, in a situation to intercept the Avenger before she

184 THE CAICOS.

arrived at her anchorage, had it not been for the reefs
which barred their passage. The only plan which the
English vessels could act upon, was to beat to the
southward, so as to arrive at the entrance of the pas-
sage, when the Enterprise would, of course, find suffi-
cient water to follow the Avenger ; for, as the passage
was too narrow to beat through, and the wind was
from the southward, the Avenger could not possibly-
escape. She was caught in a trap ; and all that she
had to trust to, was the defence which she might be
able to make in her stronghold against the force which
could be employed in the attack. The breeze was
fresh from the southward, and appeared inclined to
increase, when the Comus and Enterprise made all
sail, and worked, in short tacks, outside the reef.

On board the Avenger, the enemy and their motions
were clearly distinguished, and Cain perceived that he
was in an awkward dilemma. That they would be
attacked he had no doubt ; and, although at any other
time he would almost have rejoiced in such an oppor-
nity of discomfiting his assailants, yet now he thought
very differently, and would have sacrificed almost
every thing to have been able to avoid the rencontre,
and be permitted quietly to withdraw himself from his
associates without the spilling of more blood. Fran-
cisco was equally annoyed at this unfortunate collision ;
but no words were exchanged between him and the
pirate-captain during the time that they were on deck.

It was about nine o'clock, when having safely
passed nearly half through the channel, that Cain
ordered the kedge-anchor to be dropped, and sent

THE CAICOS. 185

down the people to their breakfast. Francisco went
down into the cabin, and was explaining their situation
to Clara, when Cain entered. He threw himself on
the locker, and appeared lost in deep and sombre
meditation.

*' What do you intend to do?" said Francisco.

" I do not know ; I will not decide myself, Fran-
cisco," replied Cain ; ^* if I were to act upon my own
judgment, probably I should allow the schooner to re-
main where she is. They can only attack in the boats,
and, in such a case, I do not fear ; whereas, if we run
right through, we allow the other schooner to follow
us without defending the passage, and we may then
be attacked by her in the deep' water inside, and over-
powered by the number of men the two vessels will
be able to bring against us. On the other hand, we
certainly may defend the schooner from the shore as
well as on board, but we are weak-handed. I shall,
however, call up the ship's company and let them
decide. God knows ! if left to me, I would not fight
at all."

** Is there no way of escape?" resumed Francisco.

" Yes, we might abandon the schooner ; and this
night, when they would not expect it, run with the
boats through the channel between the great island
and the north Cayque, but that I dare not propose,
and the men would not listen to it ; indeed, I very
much doubt if the enemy will allow us the time ; I knew
this morning, long before we saw those vessels, that
my fate would be decided before the sun went down."

" What do you mean ?"

186

THE CAICOS.

'' I mean this, Francisco," said Cain; " that your
mother, who always has visited me in my dreams
whenever any thing, dreadful now to think of, was
about to take place, appeared to me last night, and
there was sorrow and pity in her sweet face as she
mournfully waved her hand as if to summon me to
follow her. Yes, thank God! she no longer looked
upon me as for many years she has done.''

Francisco made no answer ; and Cain again seemed
to be lost in meditation.

After a little while Cain rose, and taking a small
packet from one of the drawers, put it into the hands
of Francisco.

" Preserve that," said the pirate-captain ; *' should
any accident happen to me, it will tell you who was
your mother : and it also contains directions for finding
treasure which I have buried. I leave every thing to
you, Francisco. It has been unfairly obtained ; but you
are not the guilty party, and there are none to claim it.
Do not answer me now. You may find friends, whom
you will make after I am gone, of the same opinion as
I am. I tell you again, be careful of that packet."

" I see little chance of it availing me," replied
Francisco ; " if I live, shall I not be considered as a
pirate ?"

" No, no ; you can prove the contrary."

'' I have my doubts ; but God's will be done."

*' Yes, God's will be done !" said Cain mournfully;
*' I dared not have said that a month ago." And the
pirate-captain went on deck, followed by Francisco.

The crew of the Avenger were summoned aft, and

THE CAICOS. 187

called upon to decide as to the measures they consi-
dered to be most advisable. They preferred weighing
the anchor and running into the bay, where they would
be able to defend the schooner, in their opinion, much
better than by remaining where they were.

The crew of the pirate schooner weighed the anchor,
and continued their precarious course : the breeze had
freshened, and the water was in strong ripples, so
that they could no longer see the danger beneath her
bottom. In the meantime the sloop of war and En-
terprise continued to turn to windward outside of the
reef.

By noon the wind had considerably increased, and
the breakers now turned and broke in wild foam over
the coral reefs, in every direction. The sail was still
more reduced on board of the Avenger, and her diffi-
culties increased from the rapidity of her motion.

A storm-jib was set, and the other hauled down ; yet
even under this small sail she flew before the wind.

Cain stood at the bowsprit, giving his directions to
the helmsman. More than once they grazed the rocks,
and were clear again. Spars were towed a-stern, and
every means resorted to, to check her way. They had
no guide but the breaking of the wild water on each
side of them.

ii Why should not Hawkhurst, who knows the
passage so well, be made to pilot us?" said the boat-
swain to those who were near him on the forecastle.

"To be sure, let's have him up," cried several of
the crew ; and some of them went down below.

In a minute they reappeared with Hawkhurst, whom

188 THE CAICOS.

they led forward : he did not make any resistance, and
the crew demanded that he should pilot the vessel.

" And suppose I will not," said Hawkhurst coolly.

" Then you lose your passage, that's all," replied
the boatswain ; " is it not so, my men ?" continued he,
appealing to the crew.

" Yes; either take us safe in, or — overboard," re-
plied several.

" I do not mind that threat, my lads," replied
Hawkhurst; " you have all known me as a good man
and true, and its not likely that I shall desert you now.
Well, since your captain there cannot save you, I sup-
pose I must; but," exclaimed he, looking about him —
" how's this ? Why, we are out of the passage already.
Yes, and whether we can get into it again I cannot
tell.''

" We are not out of the passage," said Cain ; " you
know we are not."

" Well, then, if the captain knows better than I,
he had better take you through," rejoined Hawkhurst.

But the crew thought differently, and insisted that
Hawkhurst, who well knew the channel, should take
charge. Cain retired aft, as Hawkhurst went out on
the bowsprit.

^* I will do my best, my lads," said Hawkhurst ;
" but, recollect, if we strike in trying to get into the
right channel, do not blame me. Starboard a little —
starboard yet — steady so — there's the true passage,
my lads !" cried he, pointing to some smoother water be-
tween the breakers — " port a little — steady."

But Hawkhurst, who knew that he was to be put

THE CAICOS. 189

on shore as soon as convenient, had resolved to lose
the schooner, even if his own life was forfeited, and he
vsras now running her out of the passage on the rocks.
A minute after he had conned her, she struck heavily
again and again ; the third time she struck she came
broadside to the wind and heeled over : a sharp coral
rock found its way through her slight timbers and
planking, and the water poured in rapidly.

During this there was a dead silence on the part of
the marauders.

" My lads," said Hawkhurst, " I have done my
best, and now you may throw me overboard if you
please. It was not my fault, but his," continued he,
pointing to the captain.

" It is of little consequence whose fault it was, Mr.
Hawkhurst," replied Cain ; " we will settle that point
by and by ; at present we have too much on our hands.
Out boats, men ! as fast as you can, and let every man
provide himself with arms and ammunition. Be cool!
the schooner is fixed hard enough, and will not go
down ; we shall save every thing by and by."

The pirates obeyed the orders of the captain. The
three boats were hoisted out and lowered down. In
the first were placed all the wounded men and Clara
D'Alfarez, who was assisted up by Francisco. As
soon as the men had provided themselves with arms,
Francisco, to protect Clara, offered to take charge of
her, and the boat shoved off.

The men-of-war had seen the Avenger strike on
the rocks, and the preparations of the crew to take
to their boats. They immediately hove to, hoisted out

190 THE CAICOS.

and manned their own boats with the hopes of cutting
them off before they could gain the island and prepare
for a vigorous defence ; for, although the vessels could
not approach the reefs, there was sufficient water in many
places for the boats to pass over them. Shortly after
Francisco, in the first boat, had shoved off from the
Avenger, the boats of the men-of-war were darting
through the surf to intercept them. The pirates per-
ceived this, and hastened their arrangements ; a second
boat soon left her, and into that Hawkhurst leaped as
it was shoving off. Cain remained on board, and
going round the lower decks to ascertain if any of the
wounded men were left, he then quitted the schooner
in the last boat and followed the others, being about
a quarter of a mile astern of the second, in which
Hawkhurst had secured his place.

At the time that Cain quitted the schooner, it was
difficult to say whether the men-of-war's boats would
succeed in intercepting any of the pirate's boats. Both
parties exerted themselves to their utmost ; and, when
the first boat, with Francisco and Clara, landed, the
headmost of the assailants was not much more than half
a mile from them ; but shallow water intervening, there
was a delay which was favourable to the pirate. Hawk-
hurst landed in his boat as the launch of the Comus
fired her eighteen pound carronade. The last boat
was yet two hundred yards from the beach, when
another shot from the Comus's launch, which had been
unable hitherto to find a passage through the reef,
struck her on the counter, and she filled and went
down.

THE CAICOS. 191

" He is gone !" exclaimed Francisco, who had led
Clara to a cave, and stood at the mouth of it to protect
her : '^ they have sunk his boat — no, he is swimming
to the shore, and will be here now, long before the
English seamen can land."

This was true. Cain was breasting the water man-
fully, making for a small cove nearer to where the
boat was sunk than the one in which Francisco had
landed with Clara and the wounded men, and di-
vided from the other by a ridge of rocks which sepa-
rated the sandy beach, and extended some way into
the water before they were submerged. Francisco could
easily distinguish the pirate -captain from the other
men who also were swimming for the beach ; for
Cain was far a-head of them, and, as he gained nearer
to the shore, he was shut from Francisco's sight by
the ridge of rocks. Francisco, anxious for his safety,
climbed up the rocks and was watching. Cain was
within a few yards of the beach when there was the
report of a musket ; the pirate-captain was seen to rise
his body convulsively half out of the water — he floun-
dered— the clear blue wave was discoloured — he sank,
and was seen no more.

Francisco darted forward from the rocks, and per-
ceived Hawkhurst standing beneath them with the
musket in his hand, which he was recharging.

*' Villain!" exclaimed Francisco, '* you shall ac-
count for this."

Hawkhurst had reprimed his musket and shut the
pan.

192 THE CAICOS.

*' Not to you," replied Hawkhurst, levelling his
piece, and taking aim at Francisco.

The ball struck Francisco on the breast ; he reeled
back from his position, staggered across the sand, gained
the cave, and fell at the feet of Clara.

" Oh, God!" exclaimed the poor girl, " are you
hurt; vrlio is there, then, to protect me?"

" I hardly know," replied Francisco faintly ; and,
at intervals, " I feel no vround. T feel stronger ;" and
Francisco put his hand to his heart.

Clara opened his vest, and found that the packet
given to Francisco by Cain, and which he had depo-
sited in his breast, had been struck by the bullet, which
had done him no injury further than the violent concus-
sion of the blow — notwithstanding he was faint from
the shock, and his head fell upon Clara's bosom.

But we must relate the proceedings of those who
were mixed up in this exciting scene. Edward Tem-
plemore had watched from his vessel with an eager
and painful curiosity the motions of the schooner — her
running on the rocks, and the subsequent actions of the
intrepid marauders. The long telescope enabled him
to perceive distinctly all that passed, and his feelings
were increased into a paroxysm of agony when his
straining eyes beheld the white and fluttering habili-
ments of a female for a moment at the gunnel of the
stranded vessel — her descent, as it appeared to him,
nothing loath into the boat — the arms held out to re-
ceive, and the extension of hers to meet those offered —
could it be Clara ! where was the reluctance, the

THE CAICOS. 193

unavailing attempts at resistance which should have
characterised her situation ? Excited by feelings vrhich
he dared not analyse, he threw down his glass, and,
seizing his sword, sprang into his boat, which was
ready manned alongside, desiring the others to follow
him. For once, and the only time in his existence
when approaching the enemy, did he feel his heart
sink within him — a cold tremor ran through his whole
frame, and, as he called to mind the loose morals and
desperate habits of the pirates, horrible thoughts en-
tered his imagination. As he neared the shore, he
stood up in the stern-sheets of the boat, pale, hag-
gard, and with trembling lips — and the intensity of his
feelings would have been intolerable but for a more
violent thirst for revenge. He clenched his sword,
while the quick throbs of his heart seemed, at every
pulsation, to repeat to him his thoughts of blood !
blood ! blood ! He approached the small bay and per-
ceived that there was a female at the mouth of the
cave — nearer and nearer, and he was certain that it
was his Clara — her name was on his lips when he heard
the two shots fired one after another by Hawkhurst —
he saw the retreat and fall of Francisco — when,
madness to behold! he perceived Clara rush forward,
and there lay the young man supported by her, and
with his head upon her bosom — could he believe what
he saw — could she really be his betrothed. Yes, there
she was, supporting the handsome figure of a young
man, and that man a pirate — she had even put her
hand into his vest, and was now watching over his
reviving form. Edward could bear no more ; he

o

194

THE CAICOS.

covered his eyes, and now, maddened with jealousy, in
a voice of thunder, he called out —

*' Give way, my lads! for your lives, give way!"
The gig was within half-a-dozen strokes of the oar
from the heach, and Clara, unconscious of wrong, had
just taken the packet of papers from Francisco's vest,
when Hawkhurst made his appearance from behind
the rocks which separated the two little sandy coves.
Francisco had recovered his breath, and, perceiving the
approach of Hawkhurst, he sprang upon his feet to re-
cover his musket ; but, before he could succeed, Hawk-
hurst had closed in with him, and a short and dreadful
struggle ensued. It would soon have terminated fatally
to Francisco, for the superior strength of Hawkhurst
had enabled him to bear down the body of his oppo-
nent with his knee, and he was fast strangling him by
twisting his handkerchief round his throat, while Clara
shrieked, and attempted in vain to tear the pirate from
him. As the prostrate Francisco was fast blackening
into a corse, and the maiden screamed for pity, and
became frantic in her efforts for his rescue, the boat
dashed high up on the sand ; and, with the bound of
a maddened tiger, Edward sprang upon Hawkhurst,
tearing him down on his back, and severing his wrist
with his sword-blade until his hold of Francisco was
relaxed, and he wrestled in his own defence.

*' Seize him, my lads !" said Edward, pointing with
his left hand to Hawkhurst ; as with his sword directed
to the body of Francisco he bitterly continued, " this
victim is mine !" But, whatever were his intentions, they
were frustrated by Clara's recognition, who shrieked

THE CAICOS. 195

out — " My Edward !" sprang into his arms, and was
immediately in a state of insensibility.

The seamen who had secured Hawkhurst looked
upon the scene with curious astonishment — while
Edward waited with mingled feelings of impatience
and doubt for Clara's recovery — he wished to be
assured by her that he was mistaken, and he turned
again and again from her face to that of Francisco,
who was fast recovering. During this painful suspense,
Hawkhurst was bound, and made to sit down.

" Edward ! dear Edward !" said Clara, at last, in
a faint voice, clinging more closely to him; " and am
I then rescued by thee, dearest?"

Edward felt the appeal ; but his jealousy had not
yet subsided.

" Who is that, Clara?" said he, sternly.

" It is Francisco. No pirate, Edward — but my
preserver."

" Ha, ha !" — laughed Hawkhurst, with a bitter sneer,
for he perceived how matters stood.

Edward Templemore turned towards him with an
inquiring look.

" Ha, ha!" continued Hawkhurst; *' why, he is
the captain's son. No pirate, eh ? Well, what will
women not swear to, to save those they doat upon."

" If the captain's son," said Edward, " why were
you contending?"

" Because just now I shot his scoundrel father."

" Edward!" said Clara, solemnly, " this is no time
for explanation, but, as I hope for mercy, what I have
said is true ; believe not that villain."

196 THE CAICOS.

'' Yes," said Francisco, who was now sitting up^
'* believe him when he says that he shot the captain, for
that is true ; but, sir, if you value your own peace of
mind, believe nothing to the prejudice of that young
lady."

" I hardly know what to believe," muttered Edward
Templemore ; " but, as the lady says, this is no time
for explanation. With your permission, madam," said
he to Clara, " my coxswain will see you in safety on
board of the schooner, or the other vessel, if you prefer
it ; my duty will not allow me to accompany you."

Clara darted a reproachful yet fond look on Edward,
as, with swimming eyes, she was led by the coxswain
to the boat which had been joined by the launch of
the Comus, the crew of which were, with their officers,
wading to the beach. The men of the gig remained
until they had given Hawkhurst and Francisco in
charge of the other seamen, and then shoved ojffwith
Clara for the schooner. Edward Templemore gave
one look at the gig as it conveyed Clara on board, and,
ordering Hawkhurst and Francisco to be taken to the
launch, and a guard to be kept over them, went up, with
the remainder of the men, in pursuit of the pirates.

During the scene we have described, the other
boats of the men-of-war had landed on the island, and
the Avenger's crew, deprived of their leaders, and
scattered in every direction, were many of them slain
or captured. In about two hours it was supposed that
the majority of the pirates had been accounted for, and
the prisoners being now very numerous, it was decided
that the boats should return with them to the Comus,

THE CAICOS. 197

the captain of which vessel, as commanding-ofEcer,
would then issue orders as to their future proceedings.

The captured pirates, when mustered on the deck
of the Comus, amounted to nearly sixty, out of which
number one half were those who had been sent on
shore wounded, and had surrendered without resist-
ance. Of killed there were fifteen; and it was con-
jectured that as many more had been drowned in the
boat when she was sunk by the shot from the carronade
of the launch. Although, by the account given by the
captured pirates, the majority were secured, yet there
was reason to suppose that some were still left on the
island concealed in the caves.

As the captain of the Comus had orders to return
as soon as possible, he decided to sail immediately for
Port Royal with the prisoners, leaving the Enterprise
to secure the remainder, if there were any, and recover
any thing of value which might be left in the wreck of
the Avenger, and then to destroy her.

With the usual celerity of the service these orders
were obeyed. The pirates, among whom Francisco was
included, were secured, the boats hoisted up, and, in
half an hour, the Comus displayed her ensign, and
made all sail on a wind, leaving Edward Templemore,
with the Enterprise, at the back of the reef, to perform
the duties entailed upon him ; and Clara, who was on
board of the schooner, to remove the suspicion and
jealousy which had arisen in the bosom of her lover.

198

CHAPTER XVII.

THE TRIAL.

In a week, the Comus arrived at Port Royal, and the
captain went up to the Penn to inform the admiral of
the successful result of the expedition.

*' Thank God," said the admiral, " we have caught
these villains at last : a little hanging will do them
no harm. The captain, you say, was drowned ?"

*' So it is reported, sir," replied Captain Manly;
" he was in the last boat which left the schooner, and
she was sunk by a shot from the launch."

" I am sorry for that ; the death was too good for
him. However, we must make an example of the
rest : they must be tried by the Admiralty Court,
which has the jurisdiction of the high seas. Send
them on shore. Manly, and we wash our hands of
them."

'' Very good, sir ; but there are still some left on
the island, we have reason to believe j and the Enter-
prise is in search of them."

^^ By the by, did Templemore find his lady ?"

*« Oh, yes, sir; and — all's right, I believe; but I
had very little to say with him on the subject."

THE TRIAL. 199

" Humph !" replied the admiral, " I am glad to
hear it. Well, send them on shore. Manly, to the
proper authorities. If any more be found, they must
be hung afterwards when Templemore brings them
in. I am more pleased at having secured these
scoundrels than if we had taken a French frigate."

About three weeks after this conversation, the
secretary reported to the admiral that the Enterprise
had made her number outside; but that she was
becalmed, and would not probably be in until the
evening.

" That's a pity," replied the admiral ; ''for the
pirates are to be tried this morning. He may have
more of them on board."

*' Very true, sir; but the trial will hardly be over
to-day : the judge will not be in court till one o'clock
at the soonest."

'* It's of little consequence, certainly ; as it is, they
are so many that they must be hanged by divisions.
However, as he is within signal distance, let them
telegraph * Pirates now on trial.' He can pull on
shore in his gig, if he pleases."

It was about noon on the same day that the pirates,
and among them Francisco, escorted by a strong guard,
were conducted to the Court House, and placed at the
bar. The Court House was crowded to excess, for the
interest excited was intense.

Many of them who had been wounded in the
attack upon the property of Don Cumanos, and after-
wards captured, had died in their confinement. Still
forty-five were placed at the bar ; and their pic-

200 THE TKIAL.

turesque costume, their bearded faces, and the atro-
cities which they had committed, created in those
present a sensation of anxiety mingled with horror
and indignation.

Two of the youngest amongst them had been per-
mitted to turn king's evidence. They had been on
board of the Avenger but a few months ; still their
testimony as to the murder of the crews of three West
India ships, and the attack upon the property of
Don Cumanos, was quite sufficient to condemn the
remainder.

Much time was necessarily expended in going
through the forms of the court ; in the pirates answer-
ing to their various names ; and, lastly, in taking down
the detailed evidence of the above men. It was late
when the evidence was read over to the pirates; and
they were asked if they had any thing to offer in their
defence. The question was repeated by the judge;
when Hawkhurst was the first to speak. To save
himself he could scarcely hope ; his only object was
to prevent Francisco pleading his cause successfully,
and escaping the same disgraceful death.

Hawkhurst declared, that he had been some time
on board of the Avenger; — but that he had been taken
out of a vessel and forced to serve against his will, as
could be proved by the captain's son, who stood there
(pointing to Francisco), who had been in the schooner
since her first fitting out : — that he had always opposed
the captain, who would not part with him, because he
was the only one on board who was competent to
navigate the schooner: — that he had intended to rise

THE TRIAL. 201

against him, and take the vessel, having often stimu-
lated the crew so to do ; and that, as the other men,
as well as the captain's son, could prove, if they chose,
he actually was in confinement for that attempt when
the schooner was entering the passage to the Caicos;
and that he was only released because he was ac-
quainted with the passage, and threatened to be thrown
overboard if he did not take her in : — that, at every
risk, he had run her on the rocks ; and aware that
the captain would murder him, he had shot Cain
as he was swimming to the shore, as the captain's
son could prove; for he had taxed him with it, and
he was actually struggling with him for life, when
the officers and boats' crew separated them and made
them both prisoners: — that he hardly expected that
Francisco, the captain's son, would tell the truth to
save him, as he was his bitter enemy, and, in the
business at the Magdalen river, which had been long
planned (for Francisco had been sent on shore under
the pretence of being wrecked, but, in fact, to ascertain
where the booty was, and to assist the pirates in their
attack), Francisco had taken that opportunity of
putting a bullet through his shoulder, which was well
knov/n to the other pirates, and Francisco could not
venture to deny. He trusted that the court would
order the torture to Francisco, and then he would
probably speak the truth ; at all events let him speak
now.

When Hawkhurst had ceased to address the court,
there was an anxious pause for some minutes. The
day was fast declining, and most parts of the spacious

202 THE TRIAL.

Court House were already deeply immersed in gloom ;
while the light, sober, solemn, and almost sad, gleamed
upon the savage and reckless countenances of the
prisoners at the bar. The sun had sunk down behind
a mass of heavy, yet gorgeous clouds, fringing their
edges with molten gold. Hawkhurst had spoken
fluently and energetically, and there was an appear-
ance of almost honesty in his coarse and deep-toned
voice. Even the occasional oaths with which his
speech was garnished, but which we have omitted,
seemed to be pronounced more in sincerity than in
blasphemy, and gave a more forcible impression to his
narrative.

We have said, that when he concluded there was
a profound silence ; and amid the fast-falling shadows
of the evening, those who were present began to feel,
for the first time, the awful importance of the drama
before them, the number of lives which were trembling
upon the verge of existence, depending upon the single
word of " Guilty." This painful silence, this harrow-
ing suspense, was at last broken by a restrained sob
from a female; but, owing to the obscurity involving
the body of the court, her person could not be distin-
guished. The wail of woman so unexpected — for who
could there be of that sex interested in the fate of these
desperate men? — touched the hearts of its auditors,
and appeared to sow the first seeds of compassionate
and human feeling among those, who had hitherto
expressed and felt nothing but indignation towards
the prisoners.

The judge upon the bench, the counsel at the bar,

THE TRIAL. 203

and the jury impannelled in their box, felt the force
of the appeal ; and it softened down the evil impres-
sion created by the address of Hawkhurst against the
youthful Francisco. The eyes of all were now directed
towards the one doubly accused — accused not only
by the public prosecutor, but even by his associate in
crime, — and the survey was favourable. They ac-
knowledged that he was one whose personal qualities
might indeed challenge the love of woman in his
pride, and her lament in his disgrace ; and, as their
regard was directed towards him, the sun, which had
been obscured, now pierced through a break in the
mass of clouds, and threw a portion of his glorious
beams from a window opposite, upon him, and him
alone, while all the other prisoners who surrounded
him were buried more or less in deep shadow. It
was at once evident that his associates were bold yet
common-place villains — men who owed their courage,
their only virtue, perhaps to their habits, to their phy-
sical organisation, or the influence of those around
them. They were mere human butchers, with the
only adjunct, that now that the trade was to be ex-
ercised upon themselves, they could bear it with a
sullen apathy — a feeling how far removed from true
fortitude ! Even Hawkhurst, though more command-
ing than the rest, with all his daring mien and scowl
of defiance, looked nothing more than a distinguished
ruffian. With the exception of Francisco, the prisoners
had wholly neglected their personal appearance; and
in them the squalid and sordid look of the mendicant
seemed allied with the ferocity of the murderer.

204

THE TRIAL.

Francisco was not only an exception, but formed
a beautiful contrast to the others; and, as the evening
beams lighted up his figure, he stood at the bar, if not
with all the splendour of a hero of romance, certainly
a most picturesque and interesting personage, elegantly,
if not richly, attired.

The low sobs at intervals repeated, as if impossible
to be checked, seemed to rouse and call him to a sense
of the important part which he was called upon to act
in the tragedy there and then performing. His face
was pale, yet composed ; his mien at once proud and
sorrowful ; his eye was bright, yet his glance was not
upon those in court, but far away, fixed, like an eagle's,
upon the gorgeous beams of the setting sun, which
glowed upon him through the window that was in
front of him.

At last the voice of Francisco was heard, and all
in that wide court started at the sound — deep, full,
and melodious as the evening chimes. The ears of
those present had, in the profound silence, but just
recovered from the harsh, deep-toned, and barbarous
idiom of Hawkhurst's address ; when the clear, silvery,
yet manly, voice of Francisco riveted their attention.
The jury stretched forth their heads, the counsel and
all in court turned anxiously round towards the pri-
soner, even the judge held up his forefinger, to intimate
his wish for perfect silence.

'' My lord and gentlemen," commenced Francisco ;
'^ when I first found myself in this degrading situa-
tion, I had not thought to have spoken or to have
uttered one word in my defence. He that has just

THE TRIAL. 205

now accused me has recommended the torture to be
applied ; he has already had his wish, for what torture
can be more agonising than to find myself where I now
am ? So tortured, indeed, have I been through a short
yet wretched life, that I have often felt that any thing
short of self-destruction which would release me, would
be a blessing; : but within these few minutes I have
been made to acknowledge that I have still feelings in
unison with my fellow-creatures; that I am not yet
fit for death, and all too young, too unprepared to
die ; for who would unreluctant leave this world
while there is such a beauteous sky to love and look
upon, or while there is one female breast who holds
him innocent, and has evinced her pity for his mis-
fortunes? Yes, my lord; mercy, and pity, and com-
passion, have not yet fled from earth ; and, therefore,
do I feel I am too young to die. God forgive me ! but
I thought they had — for never have they been shewn
in those with whom, by fate, I have been connected ;
and it has been from this conviction that I have so
often longed for death. And now, may that righteous
God, who judges us not here, but hereafter, enable me
to prove that I do not deserve an ignominious punish-
ment from my fellow-sinners — men !

" My lord, I know not the subtleties of the laws,
nor the intricacy of pleadings. First, let me assert
that I have never robbed, but I have restored unto
the plundered ; I have never murdered, but 1 have
stood between the assassin's knife and his victim.
For this have I been hated and reviled by my asso-
ciates, and for this is my life now threatened by those

206

THE TRIAL.

laws, against which I never have offended. The man
who last addressed you has told you that I am the
pirate-captain's son. It is the assertion of the only
irreclaimable and utterly remorseless villain among
those who now stand before you to be judged — the
assertion of one, whose glory, whose joy, whose solace,
has been blood-shedding.

" My lord, I had it from the mouth of the captain
himself, previous to his murder by that man, that I
was not his son. His son ! thank God, not so. Con-
nected with him and in his power I was most cer-
tainly and most incomprehensibly. Before he died,
he delivered me a packet that would have told me
who I am ; but I have lost it, and deeply have
I felt the loss. One only fact I gained from him
whom they would call my father, which is, that
with his own hand he slew, yes, basely slew, my
mother."

The address of Francisco was here interrupted by
a low deep groan of anguish, which startled the
whole audience. It was now quite dark, and the
judge ordered the court to be lighted previous to
the defence being continued. The impatience and
anxiety of those present were shewn in low murmurs
of communication, until the lights were brought in.
The word " Silence!" from the judge produced an
immediate obedience, and the prisoner was ordered
to proceed.

Francisco then continued his address, commencinir
with the remembrances of his earliest childhood. As
he warmed with his subject, he became more eloquent ;

THE TRIAL. 207

his action became energetical without violence ; and
the pallid and modest youth gradually grew into the
impassioned and inspired orator. He recapitulated
rapidly, yet distinctly and with terrible force, all the
startling events in his fearful life. There was truth
in the tones of his voice — there was conviction in his
animated countenance — there was innocence in his
open and expressive brow.

All who heard believed ; and scarcely had he con-
cluded his address, when the jury appeared impatient
to rise and give their verdict in his favour. But the
judge stood up, and addressing the jury, told them
that it was his most painful duty to remind them that
as yet they had heard but assertion, beautiful and al-
most convincing assertion truly ; but still it was not proof.

" Alas!" observed Francisco, " what evidence can
I bring forward, except the evidence of those around
me at the bar, which will not be admitted ? Can I
recall the dead from the grave? can I expect those
who have been murdered to rise again to assert my
innocence? can I expect that Don Cumanos will
appear from distant leagues to give evidence in my
behalf? Alas ! he knows not how I am situated, or
he would have flown to my succour. No — no; not
even can I expect that the sweet Spanish maiden, the
last to whom I offered my protection, will appear
in such a place as this, to meet the bold gaze of
hundreds ! "

*^ She is here !" replied a manly voice ; and a pas-
sage was made through the crowd : and Clara, sup-
ported by Edward Templemore, dressed in his uniform.

208 THE TRIAL.

was ushered into the box for the witnesses. The ap-
pearance of the fair girl, who looked round her with
alarm, created a great sensation. As soon as she was
sufficiently composed, she was sworn, and gave her
evidence as to Francisco's behaviour during the time
that she was a prisoner on board of the Avenger.
She produced the packet which had saved the life
of Francisco, and substantiated a great part of his
defence. She extolled his kindness and his generosity ;
and when she had concluded, every one asked of him-
self. Can this young man be a pirate and a murderer?
The reply was, ** It is impossible."

" My lord," said Edward Templemore, " I request
permission to ask the prisoner a question. When I
was on board of the wreck of the Avenger, I found
this book floating in the cabin. I wish to ask the
prisoner, whether, as that young lady has informed
me, it is his?" And Edward Templemore produced
the Bible.

" It is mine," replied Francisco.

" May I ask you by what means it came into your
possession?"

*Mt is the only relic left of one who is now
no more. It was the consolation of my murdered
mother — it has since been mine. Give it to me,
sir; I may probably need its support now more
than ever."

" Was your mother murdered, say you?" cried
Edward Templemore, with much agitation.

" I have already said so ; and I now repeat it."

The judge again rose, and recapitulated the evi-

THE TRIAL. 209

dence to the jury. Evidently friendly to Francisco,
he was obliged to point out to them, that, although
the evidence of the young lady had produced much
which might be offered in extenuation, and induce
him to submit it to His Majesty, in hopes of his
gracious pardon after condemnation; yet, that many
acts in which the prisoner had been involved had
endangered his life, and no testimony had been brought
forward to prove that he had not, at one time, acted
with the pirates, although he might since have re-
pented. They would, of course, remember that the
evidence of the mate, Hawkhurst, was not of any
value, and must dismiss any impression which it
might have made against Francisco. At the same
time, he had the unpleasant duty to point out, that the
evidence of the Spanish lady was so far prejudicial, that
it pointed out the good terms subsisting between the
young man and the pirate-captain. Much as he was
interested in his fate, he must reluctantly remind the
jury, that the evidence on the whole was not sufficient
to clear the prisoner ; and he considered it their duty
to return a verdict of guilty against all the prisoners
at the har.

*' My lord," said Edward Templemore, a few
seconds after the judge had resumed his seat; " may
not the contents of this packet, the seal of which I
have not ventured to break, afford some evidence in
favour of the prisoner ? Have you any objection that it
should be opened previous to the jury delivering their
verdict?"

210 THE TRIAL.

'^ None," replied the judge ; " but what are its
supposed contents?"

" The contents, my lord," replied Francisco, " are
in the writing of the pirate-captain. He delivered that
packet into my hands, previous to our quitting the
schooner, stating that it would inform me who were
my parents. My lord, in my present situation I claim
that packet, and refuse that its contents shall be read
in court. If I am to die an ignominious death, at least
those who are connected with me shall not have to
blush at my disgrace, for the secret of my parentage
shall die with me."

" Nay — nay; be ruled by me," replied Edward
Templemore with much emotion: " in the narrative,
the hand-writing of which can be proved by the king's
evidence, there may be acknowledgment of all you
have stated, and it will be received as evidence ; will
it not, my lord 1 "

** If the hand-writing is proved, I should think it
may," replied the judge, " particularly as the lady was
present when the packet was delivered, and heard the
captain's assertion. Will you allow it to be offered as
evidence, young man?"

" No, my lord," replied Francisco : " unless I have
permission first to peruse it myself, I will not have its
contents divulged, — unless I am sure of an honourable
acquittal : the jury must deliver their verdict."

The jury turned round to consult, during which
Edward Templemore walked to Francisco, accom-
panied by Clara, to entreat him to allow the packet

THE TRIAL. 211

to be opened ; but Francisco was firm against both
their entreaties. At last the foreman of the jury rose
to deliver the verdict. A solemn and awful silence
prevailed throughout the court ; the suspense was
painful to a degree.

" My lord," said the foreman of the jury, " our
verdict is "

" Stop, sir!" said Edward Templemore, as he
clasped one arm round the astonished Francisco, and
extended his other towards the foreman. " Stop, sir!
harm him not! for he is my brother !"

" And my preserver !" cried Clara, kneeling on the
other side of Francisco, and holding up her hands in
supplication.

The announcement was electrical ; the foreman
dropped into his seat; the judge and whole court
were in mute astonishment. The dead silence was
followed by confusion, which, after a time, the judge
in vain attempted to put a stop to.

Edward Templemore, Clara, and Francisco, con-
tinued to form the same group ; and never was there
one more beautiful. And now that they were together,
every one in court perceived the strong resemblance
between the two young men.

Francisco's complexion was darker than Edward's,
from his constant exposure, from infancy, to a tropical
sun ; but the features of the two were the same.

It was some time before the judge could obtain
silence in the court ; and, when it had been obtained,
he was himself puzzled how to proceed.

212

THE TRIAL.

Edward and Francisco, who had exchanged a few
words, were now standing side by side.

" My lord," said Edward Templemore, " the pri-
soner consents that the packet shall be opened."

*' I do," said Francisco, mournfully ; " although I
have but little hope from its contents. Alas ! now that
I have every thing to live for, — now that I cling to
life, I feel as if every chance was gone ! The days of
miracles have passed ; and nothing but the miracle of
the re-appearance of the pirate-captain from the grave
can prove my innocence."

*' He re-appears from the grave to prove thine inno-
cence, Francisco!" said a deep hollow voice, which
startled the whole court, — and most of all Hawkhurst
and the prisoners at the bar. Still more did fear and
horror distort their countenances, when into the wit-
ness-box stalked the giant form of Cain.

But it was no longer the figure which we have
described in the commencement of this narrative : his
beard had been removed, and he was pale, wan, and
emaciated. His sunken eyes — his hollow cheek, and
a short cough, which interrupted his speech, proved
that his days were nearly at a close.

*' My lord," said Cain, addressing the judge, *' I
am the pirate Cain, — and was the captain of the
Avenger ! Still am I free. I come here voluntarily,
that I may attest the innocence of that young man !
As yet, my hand has not known the manacle, or my
feet the gyves ! I am not a prisoner, nor included in
the indictment ; and at present my evidence is good !

THE TRIAL. 213

None know me in this court, except those whose tes-
timony, as prisoners, is unavailing; and therefore, to
save that boy, and only to save him, I demand that I
may be sworn."

The oath was administered, with more than usual
solemnity.

" My lord, and gentlemen of the jury, — I have
been in court since the commencement of the trial, and
I declare that every word which Francisco has uttered
in his own defence is true. He is totally innocent of any
act of piracy or murder, — the packet would, indeed,
have proved as much ; but in that packet there are
secrets which I wished to remain unknown to all but
Francisco; and, rather than it should be opened, I
have come forward myself. How that young officer
discovered that Francisco is his brother I know not ;
but if he also is the son of Cecilia Templemore, it is
true. But the packet will explain all.

" And now, my lords, that my evidence is received,
I am content : I have done one good deed before I die,
and I surrender myself, as a pirate and a foul mur-
derer, to justice. True, my life is nearly closed,—
thanks to that villain, there; but I prefer that I should
meet that death I merit, as an expiation of my many
deeds of guilt."

Cain then turned to Hawkhurst, who was close to
him, but the mate appeared to be in a state of stupor ;
he had not recovered from his first terror, and still
imagined the appearance of Cain to be supernatural.

" Villain!" exclaimed Cain, putting his mouth close
to Hawkhurst's ear, '^ double d — d villain! thou'lt die

214 THE TRIAL.

like a dog, and unrevenged ! the boy is safe, and I'm
alive!"

*' Art thou really living?" said Hawkhurst, recover-
ing from his fear.

" Yes, living ^ — yes, flesh and blood; feel, wretch!
feel this arm, and be convinced : thou hast felt the
power of it before now," continued Cain sarcastically.
" And now, my lord, I have done : Francisco, fare
thee well. I loved thee, and have proved my love.
Hate not then my memory, and forgive me — yes,
forgive me when I'm no more," said Cain, who then
turned his eyes to the ceiling of the Court House. —
" Yes, there she is, Francisco! — there she is! and see,"
cried he, extending both arms above his head, " she
smiles upon — yes, Francisco, your sainted mother
smiles and pardons •"

The sentence was not finished ; for Hawkhurst,
when Cain's arms were upheld, perceived his knife
in his girdle, and, with the rapidity of thought, he
drew it out, and passed it through the body of the
pirate-captain.

Cain fell heavily on the floor, while the court was
again in confusion. Hawkhurst was secured, and Cain
raised from the ground.

'* I thank thee, Hawkhurst!" said Cain, in an ex-
piring voice; " another murder thou hast to answer
for : and you have saved me from the disgrace, not
of the gallows, but of the gallows in thy company.
Francisco, boy, farewell !" And Cain groaned deeply
and expired.

Thus perished the renowned pirate captain, who.

THE TRIAL. 215

in his life, had shed so much blood, and whose death
produced another murder — Blood for blood !

The body was removed ; and it now remained but
for the jury to give their verdict. All the prisoners
were found guilty, with the exception of Francisco,
who left the dock accompanied by his newly found
brother, and the congratulations of every individual
who could gain access to him.

216

CHAPTER XVIII.

CONCLUSION.

Our first object will be to explain to the reader by
what means Edward Templemore was induced to sur-
mise that in Francisco, whom he had considered as a
rival, he had found a brother ; and also to account for
the re-appearance of the pirate Cain.

In pursuance of his orders, Edward Templemore
had proceeded on board of the wreck of the Avenger ;
and while his men were employed in collecting articles
of great value which were on board of her, he had
descended into the cabin, which was partly under water.
Here he had picked up a book floating near the lock-
ers, and, on examination, found it to be a Bible.

Surprised at seeing such a book on board of a pirate,
he had taken it with him when he returned to the En-
terprise, and had shewn it to Clara, who immediately
recognised it as the property of Francisco. The book
was saturated with the salt water, and as Edward
mechanically turned over the pages, he referred to the
title-page to see if there was any name upon it. There
was not: but he observed that the blank or fly-leaf
next to the binding had been pasted down, and that
there was writing on the other side. In its present
state it was easily detached from the cover ; and

CONCLUSION. 217

then, to his astonishment, he read the name of Cecilia
Templemore — his own mother. He knew well the
history ; how he had been saved, and his mother and
brother supposed to be lost ; and it may readily be
imagined how great was his anxiety to ascertain by
what means her Bible had come into the possession of
Francisco. He dared not think Francisco was his
brother — that he was so closely connected with one he
still supposed to be a pirate ; but the circumstance was
possible ; and, although he had intended to have re-
mained a few days longer, he now listened to the
entreaties of Clara, whose peculiar position on board
was only to be justified by the peculiar position from
which she had been rescued, and, returning that
evening to the wreck, he set fire to her, and then
made all sail for Port Royal.

Fortunately he arrived, as we have stated, on the
day of the trial; and, as soon as the signal was made
by the admiral, he immediately manned his gig, and
taking Clara with him, in case her evidence might be
of use, arrived at the Court House when the trial was
about half over.

In our last chapter but one, we stated that Cain
had been wounded by Hawkhurst, when he was swim-
ming on shore, and had sunk : the ball had entered
his chest, and passed through his lungs. The contest
between Hawkhurst and Francisco, and their capture
by Edward, had taken place on the other side of the
ridge of rocks, in the adjacent cove ; and, although
Francisco had seen Cain disappear, and concluded that
he was dead, it was not so ; he had again risen above

218

CONCLUSION.

the water, and dropping his feet and finding bottom, he
contrived to crawl out, and wade into a cave adjacent,
where he laid down to die.

But in this cave there was one of the Avenger's
boats, two of the pirates, mortally wounded, and the
four Kroumen, who had concealed themselves there
with the intention of taking no part in the conflict, and,
as soon as it became dark, of making their escape in
the boat, which they had hauled up dry into the cave.

Cain staggered in, recovered the dry land, and felL
Pompey, the Krouman, perceiving his condition, went
to his assistance, and bound up his wound, and the
staunching of the blood soon revived the pirate-captain.
The other pirates died unaided.

Although the island was searched in every direction,
this cave, from the water flowing into it, escaped the
vigilance of the British seamen ; and when they re-
embarked, with the majority of the pirates captured,
Cain and the Kroumen were undiscovered.

As soon as it was dark, Cain informed them of his
intentions; and, although the Kroumen would, pro-
bably, have left him to his fate, yet as they required
his services to know how to steer to some other island,
he was assisted into the stern-sheets, and the boat was
backed out of the cave.

By the directions of Cain, they passed through the
passage between the great island and the northern
Caique, and before daylight were far away from any
chance of capture.

Cain had now, to a certain degree, recovered ; and,
knowing that they were in the channel of the small

CONCLUSION. 219

traders, he pointed out to the Kroumen that, if sup-
posed to be pirates, they would inevitably be punished,
although not guilty, and that they must pass off as
the crew of a small coasting-vessel which had been
wrecked. He then, with the assistance of Pompey,
cut off his beard as close as he could, and arranged his
dress in a more European style. They had neither
water nor provisions, and were exposed to a vertical
sun. Fortunately for them, and still more fortunately
for Francisco, on the second day they were picked up
by an American brig bound to Antigua.

Cain narrated his fictitious disasters, and said
nothing about his wound ; the neglect of which would
certainly have occasioned his death a very few days
after he appeared at the trial, had he not fallen by the
malignity of Hawkhurst.

Anxious to find his way to Port Royal — for he was
indifferent as to his own life, and only wished to save
Francisco — he was overjoyed to meet a small schooner,
trading between the islands, bound to Port Royal. In
that vessel he obtained a passage for himself and the
Kroumen, and had arrived three days previous to the
trial, and during that time had remained concealed
until the day that the Admiralty Court assembled.

It may be as well here to remark, that Cain's reason
for not wishing the packet to be opened, was, that
among the other papers relative to Francisco, were
directions for the recovery of the treasure which he had
concealed, and which, of course, he wished to be com-
municated to Francisco alone.

We will leave the reader to imagine what passed

220 CONCLUSION.

between Francisco and Edward after the discovery of
their kindred, and proceed to state the contents of the
packet, which the twin-brothers now opened in the
presence of Clara alone.

We must, however, condense the matter, which
was very voluminous. — It stated that Cain, whose
real name was Charles Osborne, had sailed, in a fine
schooner from Bilboa, for the coast of Africa, to pro-
cure a cargo of slaves ; and had been out about twenty-
four hours, when the crew perceived a boat, apparently
with no one in her, floating about a mile a-head of
them. The water was then smooth, and the vessel had
but little way. As soon as they came up with the
boat, they lowered down their skiff to examine her.

The men sent in the skiff soon returned, towing the
boat alongside. Lying at the bottom of the boat were
found several men, almost dead, and reduced to skele-
tons; and in the stern-sheets a negro-woman, with a
child at her breast, and a white female, in the last state
of exhaustion.

Osborne was then a gay and unprincipled man,
but not a hardened villain and murderer, as he after-
wards became ; he had compassion and feeling — they
were all taken on board the schooner : some recovered
— others were too much exhausted. Among those
restored was Cecilia Templemore and the infant, who
at first had been considered quite dead ; but the negro-
woman, exhausted by the demands of her nurseling
and her privations, expired, as she was being removed
from the boat. A goat, that fortunately was on board,
proved a substitute for the negress ; and, before Os-

CONCLUSION. 221

borne had arrived off the coast, the child had recovered
its health and vigour, and the mother her extreme
beauty.

We must now pass over a considerable portion of
the narrative. Osborne was impetuous in his passions,
and Cecilia Templemore became his victim. He had,
indeed, afterwards quieted her qualms of conscience by
a pretended marriage, when he arrived at the Brazils
with his cargo of human flesh. But that was little
alleviation of her sufferings ; she, who had been in-
dulged in every luxury, who had been educated with
the greatest care, was now lost for ever — an outcast
from the society to which she could never hope to
return, and associating with those she both dreaded and
despised. She passed her days and her nights in tears ;
and had soon more cause for sorrow from the brutal
treatment she received from Osborne, who had been
her destroyer. Her child was her only solace ; but for
him, and the fear of leaving him to the demoralising
influence of those about him, she would have laid down
and died ; but she lived for him — for him attempted
to recall Osborne from his career of increasing guilt —
bore meekly with reproaches and with blows. At last
Osborne changed his nefarious life for one of deeper
guilt : he became a pirate, and still carried with him
Cecilia and her child.

This was the climax of her misery : she now wasted
from day to day, and grief would soon have terminated
her existence, had it not been hastened by the cruelty
of Cain, who, upon an expostulation on her part, fol-
lowed up with a denunciation of the consequences of

222 CONCLUSION.

his guilty career, struck her with such violence that
she sank under the blow. She expired with a prayer
that her child might be rescued from a life of guilt ;
and, when the then repentant Cain promised what he
never did perform, she blessed him too, before she
died.

Such was the substance of the narrative, as far as it
related to the unfortunate mother of these two young
men, who, when they had concluded, sat, hand-in-
hand, in mournful silence. This, however, was soon
broken by the innumerable questions asked by Edward
of his brother, as to what he could remember of their
ill-fated parent, which were followed up by the history
of Francisco's eventful life.

^' And the treasure, Edward — " said Francisco !
" I cannot take possession of it."

" No, nor shall you either!" replied Edward; '' it
belongs to the captors, and must be shared as prize-
money. You will never touch one penny of it; but
I shall, I trust, pocket a very fair proportion of
it! However, keep this paper, as it is addressed to
you."

The admiral had been made acquainted with all the
particulars of this eventful trial, and had sent a mes-
sage to Edward, requesting that, as soon as he and his
brother could make it convenient, he would be happy
to see them at the Penn, as well as the daughter of the
Spanish governor, whom he must consider as being
under his protection during the time that she remained
at Port Royal. This offer was gladly accepted by
Clara ; and, on the second day after the trial, they

CONCLUSION. 223

proceeded up to the Penn. Clara and Francisco were
introduced, and apartments and suitable attendance
provided for the latter.

*^ Templemore," said the admiral, *^ I'm afraid I
must send you away to Porto Rico, to assure the gover-
nor of his daughter's safety."

'^ I would rather you would send some one else,
sir, and I'll assure her happiness in the mean time."

''What! by marrying her? Humph! you've a
good opinion of yourself! Wait till you're a captain,
sir.

" I hope I shall not have to wait long, sir," replied
Edward, demurely.

" By the by," said the admiral, " did you not say
you have notice of treasure concealed in those islands ?"

" My brother has : I have not."

" We must send for it. I think we must send you,
Edward. Mr. Francisco, you must go with him."

'' With pleasure, sir," replied Francisco, laughing;
" but I think I'd rather wait till Edward is a captain!
His wife and his fortune ought to come together. I
think I shall not deliver up my papers until the day
of his marriage ! " .

" Upon my word," said Captain Manly, " I wish,
Templemore, you had your commission, for there seems
to be so much depending on it — the young lady's hap-
piness, my share of the prize-money, and the ad-
miral's eighth. Really, admiral, it becomes a common
cause ; and I'm sure he deserves it I "

" So do I, Manly," replied the admiral ; '' and to
prove that I have thought so, here comes Mr. Hadley

224 CONCLUSION.

with it in his hand : it only wants one little thing to
complete it — "

" Which is your signature, admiral, I presume ;"
replied Captain Manly, taking a pen full of ink, and
presenting it to his senior officer.

" Exactly ! " replied the admiral, scribbling at the
bottom of the paper; " and now — it does not want
that. Captain Templemore, I wish you joy !"

Edward made a very low obeisance, as his flushed
countenance indicated his satisfaction.

" I cannot give commissions, admiral," said Fran-
cisco, presenting a paper in return ; " but I can give
information — and you will find it not unimportant —
for the treasure appears to be of great value."

*^ God bless my soul ! Manly, you must start at
daylight!" exclaimed the admiral; "why, there is
enough to load your sloop ! There ! — read it ! — and
then I will write your orders, and enclose a copy of it,
for fear of accident."

" That was to have been my fortune," said Fran-
cisco, with a grave smile ; " but I would not touch it."

" Very right, boy ! — a fine principle ! But we are
not quite so particular," said the admiral. '^ Now,
where's the young lady ? let her know that dinner's on
the table."

A fortnight after this conversation, Captain Manly
returned with the treasure ; and the Enterprise, com-
manded by another officer, returned from Porto Rico,
with a letter from the governor in reply to one from
the admiral, in which the rescue of his daughter by
Edward had been communicated. The letter was full

CONCLUSION. 225

of thanks to the admiral, and compliments to Edward ;
and, what was of more importance, it sanctioned the
union of the young officer with his daughter, with a
dozen boxes of gold doubloons.

About six weeks after the above-mentioned im-
portant conversation, Mr. Witherington, who had been
reading a voluminous packet of letters, in his breakfast-
room in Finsbury Square, pulled his bell so violently
that old Jonathan thought his master must be out of
his senses. This, however, did not induce him to ac-
celerate his solemn and measured pace ; and he made
his appearance at the door, as usual, without speaking.

" Why don't that fellow answer the bell?" cried
Mr. Witherington.

" I am here, sir;" said Jonathan, solemnly.

" Well, so you are ! but, confound you ! — you come
like the ghost of a butler ! But who do you think is
coming here, Jonathan ? "

" I cannot tell, sir."

" But I can! — you solemn old ! Edward's

coming here ! — coming home directly ! "

** Is he to sleep in his old room, sir?" replied the
imperturbable butler.

"No! the best bed-room! Why, Jonathan, he is
married — he is made a captain ! — Captain Temple-
more!"

" Yes — sir."

" And he has found his brother, Jonathan ; his
twin-brother ! "

" Yes — sir."

" His brother Francis — that was supposed to be
Q

226 CONCLUSION.

lost! But it's a long story, Jonathan! — and a very
wonderful one ! — his poor mother has long been
dead!"

*' In ccelo quies,'^ said Jonathan ; casting up his
eyes.

*^ But his brother has turned up again."

" Resurgam!" said the butler.
" They will" be here in ten days — so let every thing
be in readiness, Jonathan. God bless my soul!" con-
tinued the old gentleman, ^* 1 hardly know what I'm
about. It's a Spanish girl, Jonathan ! "

" What is, sir?"

" What is, sir? — why. Captain Templemore's wife,
and he was tried as a pirate ! "

"Who, sir?"

" Who, sir ? — why, Francis, his brother ! Jona-
than, you're a stupid old fellow!"

** Have you any further commands, sir?"

'^ No — no! — there — that'll do — go away."

And in three weeks after this conversation, Cap-
tain and Mrs. Templemore, and his brother Frank,
were established in the house, to the great delight of
Mr. Witherington ; for he had long been tired of soli-
tude and old Jonathan.

The twin-brothers were a comfort to him in his
old age : they closed his eyes in peace — they divided
his blessing and his large fortune — and thus ends our
history of The Pirate!

THE THREE CUTTERS.

THE THREE CUTTERS

CHAPTER I.

CUTTER THE FIRST.

Reader, have you ever been at Plymouth? If you
have, your eye must have dwelt with ecstasy upon the
beautiful property of the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe : if
you have not been at Plymouth, the sooner that you
go there, the better. At Mount Edgcumbe you will
behold the finest timber in existence, towering up to
the summits of the hills, and feathering down to the
shingle on the beach. And from this lovely spot
you will witness one of the most splendid panoramas
in the world. You will see — I hardly know what you
will not see — you will see Ram Head, and Cawsand
Bay; and then you will see the Breakwater, and
Drake's Island, and the Devil's Bridge below you;
and the town of Plymouth and its fortifications, and
the Hoe ; and then you will come to the Devil's Point,
round which the tide runs devilish strong; and then
you will see the INew Victualling Office, — about which
Sir James Gordon used to stump all day, and take a
pinch of snuff from every man who carried a box,

230 CUTTER THE FIRST.

which all were delighted to give, and he was delighted
to receive, proving how much pleasure may be com-
municated merely by a pinch of snuff — and then you
will see Mount Wise and Mutton Cove ; the town of
Devonport, with its magnificent dock-yard and ar-
senals, North Corner, and the way which leads to
Saltash. And you will see ships building and ships
in ordinary ; and ships repairing and ships fitting ; and
hulks and convict-ships, and the guard-ship ; ships
ready to sail and ships under sail ; besides lighters,
man-of-war's boats, dock-yard boats, bum-boats, and
shore-boats. In short, there is a great deal to see at
Plymouth besides the sea itself: but what I par-
ticularly wish now, is, that you should stand at the
battery of Mount Edgcumbe and look into Barn Pool
below you, and there you will see, lying at single
anchor, a cutter; and you may also see, by her pen-
dant and ensign, that she is a yacht.

Of all the amusements entered into by the no-
bility and gentry of our island, there is not one so
manly, so exciting, so patriotic, or so national, as
yacht-sailing. It is peculiar to England, not only
from our insular position and our fine harbours, but
because it requires a certain degree of energy and a
certain amount of income rarely to be found else-
where. It has been wisely fostered by our sovereigns,
who have felt that the security of the kingdom is
increased by every man being more or less a sailor,
or connected with the nautical profession. It is an
amusement of the greatest importance to the country ;
as it has much improved our ship building and our

CUTTER THE FIRST. 231

ship fitting, while it affords employment to our seamen
and shipwrights. But if I were to say all that I could
say in praise of yachts, I should never advance with my
narrative. I shall therefore drink a bumper to the
health of Admiral Lord Yarborough and the Yacht
Club, and proceed.

You observe that this yacht is cutter-rigged, and
that she sits gracefully on the smooth water. She is
just heaving up her anchor; her foresail is loose, all
ready to cast her — in a few minutes she will be under
weigh. You see that there are some ladies sitting at
the taffrail; and there are five haunches of venison
hanging over the stern. Of all amusements give me
yachting. But we must go on board. The deck, you
observe, is of narrow deal planks as white as snow; the
guns are of polished brass ; the bitts and binnacles of
mahogany ; she is painted with taste ; and all the
mouldings are gilded. There is nothing wanting ; and
yet how clear and how unencumbered are her decks!
Let us go below. This is the ladies' cabin : can any
thing be more tasteful or elegant? is it not luxurious?
and, although so small, does not its very confined
space astonish you, when you view so many comforts
so beautifully arranged? This is the dining-room,
and where the gentlemen repair. What can be
more complete or recherche? and just peep into their
state-rooms and bed-places. Here is the steward's
room and the beaufet : the steward is squeezing
lemons for the punch, and there is the champagne
in ice; and by the side of the pail, the long-corks
are ranged up, all ready. Now, let us go forwards;

232 CUTTER THE FIRST.

here are the men's berths, not confined as in a
man-of-war. No! luxury starts from abaft, and is
not wholly lost, even at the fore-peak. This is the
kitchen : is it not admirably arranged ? What a
multum in parvo! and how delightful are the fumes of
the turtle-soup ! At sea we do meet with rough
weather at times ; but, for roughing it out, give me a
yacht. Now, that I have shewn you round the vessel,
I must introduce the parties on board.

You observe that florid, handsome man in white
trousers and blue jacket, who has a telescope in one
hand, and is sipping a glass of brandy and water which
he has just taken off the skylight. That is the owner
of the vessel, and a member of the Yacht Club. It is

Lord B^ : he looks like a sailor, and he does not

much belie his looks ; yet I have seen him in his robes
of state at the opening of the House of Lords. The
one near to him is Mr. Stewart, a lieutenant in the
navy. He holds on by the rigging with one hand,
because, having been actively employed all his life,
he does not know what to do with hands which have
nothing in them. He is a protege of Lord B. ; and
is now on board as sailing-master of the yacht.

That handsome, well-built man who is standing by
the binnacle, is a Mr. Hautaine. He served six years
as midshipman in the navy, and did not like it. He
then served six years in a cavalry regiment, and did not
like it. He then married, and, in a much shorter pro-
bation, found that he did not like that. But he is very
fond of yachts and other men's wives, if he does not
like his own ; and wherever he goes, he is welcome.

CUTTER THE FIRST. 233

That young man with an embroidered silk waist-
coat and white gloves, bending to talk to one of the
ladies, is a Mr. Vaughan. He is to be seen at Almack's,
at Crockford's, and everywhere else. Every body
knows him, and he knows every body. He is a little
in debt, and yachting is convenient.

The one who sits by the lady is a relation of
Lord B. ; you see at once what he is. He apes the
sailor: he has not shaved, because sailors have no
time to shave every day; he has not changed his
linen, because sailors cannot change every day. He
has a cigar in his mouth, which makes him half sick
and annoys his company. He talks of the pleasure of
a rough sea, which will drive all the ladies below — and
then they will not perceive that he is more sick than
themselves. He has the misfortune to be born to a
large estate, and to be a. fool. His name is Ossulton.

The last of the gentlemen on board whom I have
to introduce, is Mr. Seagrove. He is slightly made,
with marked features full of intelligence. He has been
brought up to the bar ; and has every qualification but
application. He has never had a brief, nor has he a
chance of one. He is the fiddler of the company, and
he has locked up his chambers, and come, by invitation
of his lordship, to play on board of his yacht.

I have yet to describe the ladies — perhaps I should
have commenced with them — I must excuse myself
upon the principle of reserving the best to the last. All
puppet-showmen do so ; and what is this but the first
scene in my puppet-show.

234 CUTTER THE FIRST.

We will describe them according to seniority. That
tall, thin, cross-looking lady of forty-five is a spinster,
and sister to Lord B. She has been persuaded very
much against her will to come on board; but her
notions of propriety would not permit her niece to
embark under the protection o{ only her father. She
is frightened at every thing; if a rope is thrown
down on the deck, up she starts, and cries, " Oh!"
if on the deck, she thinks the water is rushing in
below ; if down below, and there is a noise, she is con-
vinced there is danger ; and, if it be perfectly still, she
is sure there is something wrong. She fidgets herself
and every body, and is quite a nuisance with her pride
and ill-humour; but she has strict notions of propriety,
and sacrifices herself as a martyr. She is the Hon.
Miss Ossulton.

The lady who, when she smiles, shews so many
dimples in her pretty oval face, is a young widow
of the name of Lascelles. She married an old man
to please her father and mother, which was very du-
tiful on her part. She was rewarded by finding herself
a widow with a large fortune. Having married the
first time to please her parents, she intends now to
marry to please herself; but she is very young, and is in
no hurry.

That young lady with such a sweet expression
of countenance, is the Hon. Miss Cecilia Ossulton.
She is lively, witty, and has no fear in her composition ;
but she is very young yet, not more than seventeen —
and nobody knows what she really is — she does not

CUTTER THE FIRST. 235

know herself. These are the parties who meet in the
cabin of the yacht. The crew consists of ten fine
seamen, the steward, and the cook. There is also
Lord B.'s valet, Mr. Ossulton's gentleman, and the
lady's maid of Miss Ossulton. There not being ac-
commodation for them, the other servants have been
left on shore.

The yacht is now under weigh, and her sails are all
set. She is running between Drake's Island and the
main. Dinner has been announced. As the reader
has learnt something about the preparations, I leave
him to judge whether it be not very pleasant to sit
down to dinner in a yacht. The air had given every
body an appetite ; and it was not until the cloth was
removed that the conversation became general.

" Mr. Seagrove," said his lordship, " you very
nearly lost your passage; I expected you last Thurs-
day."

" I am sorry, my lord, that business prevented my
sooner attending to your lordship's kind summons."

" Come, Seagrove, don't be nonsensical," said
Hautaine ; " you told me yourself, the other evening,
when you were talkative, that you had never had a
brief in your life."

" And a very fortunate circumstance," replied
Seagrove ; " for if I had had a brief I should not have
known what to have done with it. It is not my fault ;
I am fit for nothing but a commissioner ; but still I
had business, and very important business, too ; I was
summoned by Ponsonby to go with him to Tattersall's,

236 CUTTER THE FIRST.

to give my opinion about a horse he wishes to purchase,
and then to attend him to Forest Wild to plead his
cause with his uncle."

" It appears, then, that you were retained," replied
Lord B. ; " may I ask you whether your friend gained
his cause ?"

" No, my lord, he lost his cause, but he gained a
suit."

" Expound your riddle, sir," said Cecilia Ossulton.

*' The fact is, that old Ponsonby is very anxious
that William should marry Miss Percival, whose es-
tates join on to Forest Wild. Now, my friend William
is about as fond of marriage as I am of law, and
thereby issue was joined."

** But why were you to be called in?" inquired
Mrs. Lascelles.

" Because, madam, as Ponsonby never buys a
.horse without consulting me "

" I cannot see the analogy, sir," observed Miss
Ossulton, senior, bridling up.

" Pardon me, madam : the fact is," continued
Seagrove, " that, as I always have to back Pon-
sonby's horses, he thought it right that, in this
instance, I should back him ; he required special
pleading, but his uncle tried him for the capital
offence, and he was not allowed counsel. As soon as
we arrived, and I had bowed myself into the room,
Mr. Ponsonby bowed me out again — which would
have been infinitely more jarring to my feelings, had
not the door been left a-jar."

CUTTER THE FIRST. 237

'' Do any thing but pun, Seagrove," interrupted
Hautaine.

^' Well, then, I will take a glass of wine."

^* Do so," said his lordship ; " but, recollect, the
whole company are impatient for your story."

** I can assure you, my lord, that it was equal to
any scene in a comedy."

Now, be it observed, that Mr. Seagrove had a great
deal of comic talent ; he was an excellent mimic, and
could alter his voice almost as he pleased. It was a cus-
tom of his to act a scene as between other people, and
he performed it remarkably well. Whenever he said
that any thing he was going to narrate was ** as good
as a comedy," it was generally understood by those who
were acquainted with him, that he was to be asked so
to do. Cecilia Ossulton therefore immediately said,
" Pray act it, Mr. Seagrove."

Upon which Mr. Seagrove — premising that he had
not only heard, but also seen all that had passed —
changing his voice, and suiting the action to the word,
commenced. " It may," said he, " be called

Five Thousand Acres in a Ring- Fence J'

We shall not describe Mr. Seagrove's motions ; they
must be inferred from his words.

*^ * It will, then, William,' observed Mr. Ponsonby,
stopping, and turning to his nephew, after a rapid
walk up and down the room with his hands behind
him under his coat, so as to allow the tails to drop
their perpendicular about three inches clear of his
body, * I may say, without contradiction, be the finest

238 CUTTER THE FIRST.

property in the county — five thousand acres in a ring-
fence.'

" M dare say it will, uncle/ replied William,
tapping his foot as he lounged in a green morocco
easy-chair ; ' and so, because you have set your fancy
upon having these two estates enclosed together in a
ring-fence, you wish that I should also be enclosed in
a ring-fence,'

*' ' And a beautiful property it will be,' replied Mr.
Ponsonby.

a t Which, uncle? — the estate, or the wife?'
'* ' Both, nephew, both ; and I expect your consent.'
" ' Uncle, I am not avaricious. Your present pro-
perty is sufficient for me. With your permission, in-
stead of doubling the property, and doubling myself,
I will remain your sole heir, and single.'

*' ' Observe, William, such an opportunity may not
occur again for centuries. We shall restore Forest
Wild to its ancient boundaries. You know it has been
divided nearly two hundred years. We now have a
glorious, golden opportunity of re-uniting the two pro-
perties; and when joined, the estate will be exactly
what it was when granted to our ancestors by Henry
the Eighth, at the period of the Reformation. This
house must be pulled down, and the monastery left
standing. Then we shall have our own again, and the
property without encumbrance.'

*' ' Without encumbrance, uncle! — You forget that
there will be a wife.'

** ^ And you forget that there will be five thousand
acres in a ring-fence.'

CUTTER THE FIRST. 239

" * Indeed, uncle, you ring it too often in my ears,
that I should forget it; but much as I should like to
be the happy possessor of such a property, I do not
feel inclined to be the happy possessor of Miss Percival ;
and the more so, as I have never seen the property.'

" ' We will ride over it to morrow, William.'

*' * Ride over Miss Percival, uncle! that will not
be very gallant. I will, however, one of these days,
ride over the property with you, which, as well as
Miss Percival, I have not as yet seen.'

" ' Then I can tell you, she is a very pretty property.'

" * If she were not in a ring-fence.'

" * In good heart, William. — That is, I mean an
excellent disposition.'

' ' Valuable in matrimony.'

*' ' And well tilled — I should say well educated, by
her three maiden aunts, who are the patterns of pro-
priety.'

" ' Does any one follow the fashion?'

'' * In a high state of cultivation ; that is, her mind
highly cultivated, and according to the last new
system — what is it?'

" ' A four-course shift, I presume,' replied William,
laughing ; ' that is, dancing, singing, music, and draw-
ing.'

" ' And only seventeen! — Capital soil, promising
good crops. — What would you have more?'

*' ' A very pretty estate, uncle, if it were not the
estate of matrimony. I am sorry, very sorry, to dis-
appoint you ; but I must decline taking a lease of it
for life.'

240 CUTTER THE FIRST.

" ' Then, sir, allow me to hint to you, that, in my
testament, you are only tenant at will. I consider it a
duty that I owe to the family, that the estate should be
re-united. That can only be done by one of our family
marrying Miss Percival; and, as you will not, 1 shall
now write to your cousin James, and if he accept
my proposal, shall make Jiim my heir. Probably he
will more fully appreciate the advantages of five thou-
sand acres in a ring-fence.'

" And Mr. Ponsonby directed his steps towards the
door.

" * Stop, my dear uncle,' cried William, rising up
from his easy-chair ; ^ we do not quite understand one
another. It is very true that I would prefer half the
property and remaining single to the two estates and
the estate of marriage ; but, at the same time, I did
not tell you that 1 would prefer beggary to a wife
and five thousand acres in a ring-fence. I know you
to be a man of your word ; — I accept your proposal,
and you need not put my cousin James to the expense
of postage.'

" * Very good, William ; I require no more : and as
I know you to be a man of your word, I shall consider
this match as settled. It was on this account only that
I sent for you, and now you may go back again as soon
as you please — I will let you know when all is ready.'

*•• * I must be at Tattersall's on Monday, uncle ; there
is a horse I must have for next season. Pray, uncle,
may I ask when you are likely to want me ? '

*^ * Let me see — this is May — about July, I should
think.'

CUTTER THE FIRST. 241

'* * July, uncle ! Spare me — I cannot marry in the
dog-days. — No, hang it, not July.'

'^ * Well, William, perhaps, as you must come down
once or twice to see the property — Miss Percival, I
should say — it may be too soon — suppose we put it off
till October.'

" ' October— I shall be down at Melton.'

" ' Pray, sir, may I then inquire what portion of the
year is not, with you, dog-dajsV

« * Why, uncle, next April now — I think that
would do.'

" ' Next April. — Eleven months, and a winter be-
tween. Suppose Miss Percival was to take a cold, and
die!—'

" ' I should be excessively obliged to her,' thought
William.

" 'No! no!' continued Mr. Ponsonby, 'there is
nothing certain in this world, William.'

" ' Well then, uncle, suppose we arrange it for the
first hard frost.'

" ' We have had no hard frosts lately, William. —
We may wait for years. — The sooner it is over the
better. — Go back to town, buy your horse, and then
come down here — my dear William, to oblige your
uncle — never mind the dog-days.'

" ' Well, sir, if I am to make a sacrifice, it shall
not be done by halves ; out of respect for you, I will
even marry in July, without any regard to the ther-
mometer.'

" ' You are a good boy, William. — Do you want a
cheque ? '

K

242 CUTTER THE FIRST.

" ' I have had one to-day/ thought William, and
was almost at fault. ^ I shall be most thankful, sir —
they sell horse-flesh by the ounce nowadays/

" ^ And you pay in pounds. — There, William.'

" ' Thank you, sir, I'm all obedience; and I'll keep
my word, even if there should be a comet. I'll go and
buy the horse, and then I shall be ready to take the
ring-fence as soon as you please.'

*' ' Yes, and you'll get over it cleverly, I've no
doubt. — Five thousand acres, William, and — a pretty
wife!'

" * Have you any further commands, uncle?' said
William, depositing the cheque in his pocket-book.

" * Now, my dear boy, are you going?'

*' ' Yes, sir; I dine at the Clarendon.'

" 'Well, then, good-bye. — Make my compliments
and excuses to your friend Seagrove. — You will come
Tuesday or Wednesday.'

" Thus was concluded the marriage between William
Ponsonby and Emily Percival, and the junction of the
two estates, which formed together the great desidera-
tum,— jive thousand acres in a ring -fence."

Mr. Seagrove finished, and looked round for ap-
probation.

" Very good, indeed, Seagrove," said his lordship,
** you must take a glass of wine after that."

'^ I would not give much for Miss Percival's chance
of happiness," observed the elder Miss Ossulton.

'^ Of two evils choose the least, they say," observed
Mr. Hautaine. *' Poor Ponsonby could not help him-
self."

CUTTER THE FIRST. 243

'* That's a very polite observation of yours, Mr.
Hautaine — I thank you in the name of the sex," re-
plied Cecilia Ossulton.

** Nay, Miss Ossulton ; would you like to marry
a person whom you never saw ? '*

*' Most certainly not ; but when you mentioned the
two evils, Mr. Hautaine, I appeal to your honour, did
you not refer to marriage or beggary ? "

" I must confess it. Miss Ossulton ; but it is hardly
fair to call on my honour to get me into a scrape."

" I only wish that the offer had been made to me,'*
observed Vaughan ; *' I should not have hesitated as
Ponsonby did.'*

** Then I beg you will not think of proposing
for me," said Mrs. Lascelles, laughing ; — for Mr.
Vaughan had been excessively attentive.

*' It appears to me, Vaughan," observed Seagrove,
*' that you have slightly committed yourself by that
remark."

Vaughan, who thought so too, replied : " Mrs.
Lascelles must be aware that I was only joking."

" Fie ! Mr. Vaughan," cried Cecilia Ossulton ; " you
know it came from your heart."

" My dear Cecilia," said the elder Miss Ossulton,
" you forget yourself — what can you possibly know
about gentlemen's hearts?"

" The Bible says, ' that they are deceitful and
desperately wicked,* aunt.*'

*' And cannot we also quote the Bible against your
sex. Miss Ossulton?" replied Seagrove.

2-14 CUTTER THE FIRST.

" Yes, you could, perhaps, if any of you had ever
read it," replied Miss Ossulton, carelessly.

" Upon my word, Cissy, you are throwing the
gauntlet down to the gentlemen," observed Lord B.
*^ but I shall throw my warder down, and not permit
this combat a Voutrance. — I perceive you drink no
more wine, gentlemen, — we will take our coffee on
deck."

" We were just about to retire, my lord," observed
the elder Miss Ossulton, with great asperity : " I have
been trying to catch the eye of Mrs. Lascelles for
some time, but — "

" I was looking another way, I presume," inter-
rupted Mrs. Lascelles, smiling.

" I am afraid that I am the unfortunate culprit,"
said Mr. Seagrove ; " I was telling a little anecdote to
Mrs. Lascelles — "

" Which, of course, from its being communicated
in an under tone, was not proper for all the company
to hear," replied the elder Miss Ossulton : " but if
Mrs. Lascelles is now ready — " continued she, bridling
up, as she rose from her chair.

" At all events, I can hear the remainder of it on
deck," replied Mrs. Lascelles. The ladies rose, and
went into the cabin : Cecilia and Mrs. Lascelles ex-
changing very significant smiles, as they followed the
precise spinster, who did not choose that Mrs. Lascelles
should take the lead, merely because she had once
happened to have been married — The gentlemen also
broke up, and went on deck.

CUTTER THE FIRST. 246

" We have a nice breeze now, my lord," observed
Mr. Stewart, who had remained on deck, " and we
lie right up Channel."

" So much the better," replied his lordship; " we
ought to have been anchored at Cowes a week ago.
They will all be there before us."

^' Tell Mr. Simpson to bring me a light for my
cigar," said Mr. Ossulton to one of the men.

Mr. Stewart went down to his dinner; the ladies
and the coffee came on deck ; the breeze was fine, the
weather (it was April) almost warm ; and the yacht,
whose name was the Arrow, assisted by the tide, soon
left the Mewstone far astern.

246

CHAPTER II.

CUTTER THE SECOND.

Reader, have you ever been at Portsmouth ? If you
have, you must have been delighted with the view^
from the saluting battery ; and, if you have not, you
had better go there as soon as you can. From the
saluting battery you may look up the harbour, and see
much of what I have described at Plymouth : the scenery
is different ; but similar arsenals and dock-yards, and an
equal portion of our stupendous navy, are to be found
there. — And you will see Gosport on the other side of
the harbour, and Sally Port close to you ; besides a
great many other places, which, from the saluting
battery, you cannot see. And then there is Southsea
Beach to your left. Before you, Spithead, with the
men-of-war, and the Motherbank, crowded with mer-
chant vessels ; — and there is the Buoy, where the Royal
George was wrecked, and where she still lies, the fish
swimming in and out of her cabin windows : but that
is not all; you can also see the Isle of Wight, — Ryde,
with its long wooden pier, and Cowes, where the yachts
lie. In fact, there is a great deal to be seen at Ports-
mouth as well as at Plymouth ; but what I wish you
particularly to see, just now, is a vessel holding fast
to the buoy, just off the saluting battery. She is a

u

CUTTER THE SECOND. 247

cutter; and you may know that she belongs to the
Preventive Service by the number of gigs and galleys
which she has hoisted up all round her. She looks
like a vessel that was about to sail with a cargo of
boats. Two on deck, one astern, one on each side of
her. You observe that she is painted black, and all
her boats are white. She is not such an elegant vessel
as the yacht, and she is much more lumbered up. She
has no haunches of venison over the stern ; but I think
there is a leg of mutton, and some cabbages hanging
by their stalks. But revenue-cutters are not yachts. —
You will find no turtle or champagne ; but, neverthe-
less, you will, perhaps, find a joint to carve at, a good
glass of grog, and a hearty welcome.

Let us go on board. — You observe the guns are iron,
and painted black, and her bulwarks are painted red :
it is not a very becoming colour ; but then it lasts a
long while, and the dock-yard is not very generous on
the score of paint — or lieutenants of the navy troubled
with much spare cash. She has plenty of men, and
fine men they are ; all dressed in red flannel shirts,
and blue trousers ; some of them have not taken off
their canvass or tarpawling petticoats, which are very
useful to them, as they are in the boats night and day,
and in all weathers. But we will at once go down
into the cabin, where we shall find the lieutenant who
commands her, a master's mate, and a midshipman. —
They have each their tumbler before them, and are drink-
ing gin-toddy, hot, with sugar — capital gin, too, 'bove
proof; it is from that small anker, standing under the
table. It was one that they forgot to return to the

248 CUTTER THE SECOND.

custom-house when they made their last seizure. We
must introduce them.

The elderly personage, with grizzly hair and
whiskers, a round pale face, and a somewhat red
nose (being too much in the wind will make the nose
red, and this old officer is very often " in the wind,"
of course from the very nature of his profession), is a
Lieutenant Appleboy. He has served in every class of
vessel in the service, and done the duty of first-lieu-
tenant for twenty years ; he is now on promotion — that
is to say, after he has taken a certain number of tubs
of gin, he will be rewarded with his rank as com-
mander. It is a pity that what he takes inside of him
does not count, for he takes it morning, noon, and
night. — He is just filling his fourteenth glass; he
always keeps a regular account, as he never exceeds
his limited number, which is seventeen : then he is
exactly down to his bearings.

The master's mate's name is Tomkins ; he has served
his six years three times over, and has now outgrown
his ambition, which is fortunate for him, as his chances
of promotion are small. He prefers a small vessel to
a large one, because he is not obliged to be so parti-
cular in his dress — and looks for his lieutenancy when-
ever there shall be another charity promotion. He is
fond of soft bread, for his teeth are all absent without
leave; he prefers porter to any other liquo?, but he
can drink his glass of grog, whether it be based upon
rum, brandy, or the liquor now before him.

Mr. Smith is the name of that young gentleman,
whose jacket is so out at the elbows ; he has been in-

CUTTER THE SECOND. 249

tending to mend it these last two mouths, but is too
lazy to go to his chest for another. — He has been
turned out of half the ships in the service for laziness ;
but he was born so — and therefore it is not his fault. —
A revenue -cutter suits him, she is half her time hove
to; and he has no objection to boat-service, as he sits
down always in the stern-sheets, which is not fatiguing.
Creeping for tubs is his delight, as he gets over so little
ground. He is fond of grog, but there is some trouble
in carrying the tumbler so often to his mouth ; so he
looks at it, and lets it stand. He says little, because
he is too lazy to speak. He has served more than
eight years ; but as for passing — it has never come into
his head. Such are the three persons who are now
sitting in the cabin of the revenue -cutter, drinking
hot gin-toddy.

" Let me see, it was, I think, in ninety- three or
ninety- four. — Before you were in the service, Tom-
ms. —

" May-be, sir ; it's so long ago since I entered, that
I can't recollect dates, — but this I know, that my aunt
died three days before."

" Then the question is, when did your aunt die?"

'* Oh ! she died about a year after my uncle."

" And when did your uncle die ? "

" I'll be hanged if I know!"

*' Then, d' ye see, you 've no departure to work
from. However, I think you cannot have been in
the service at that time. We were not quite so parti-
cular about uniform as we are now."

'^ Then I think the service was all the better for

250 CUTTER THE SECOND.

it. Nowadays, in your crack ships, a mate has to
go down in the hold or spirit-room, and after whip-
ping up fifty empty casks, and breaking out twenty
full ones, he is expected to come on the quarter-deck
as clean as if he w^as just come out of a bandbox."

" Well, there's plenty of water alongside, as far as
the outward man goes, and iron dust is soon brushed
off. However, as you say, perhaps, a little too much
is expected ; at least, in five of the ships in which I
was first-lieutenant, the captain was always hauling
me over the coals about the midshipmen not dressing
properly, as if I was their dry nurse. I wonder what
Captain Prigg would have said, if he'd seen such a
turn-out as you, Mr. Smith, on his quarter-deck."

" I should have had one turn-out more," drawled
Smith.

" With your out -at -elbows jacket, there, heh!'*
continued Mr. Appleboy.

Smith turned up his elbows, looked at one and
then at the other ; after so fatiguing an operation, he
was silent.

" Well, where was I? Oh! it was about ninety-
three or ninety-four, as I said, that it happened —
Tomkins, fill your glass, and hand me the sugar, — how
do I get on? — This is No. 15," said Appleboy, counting
some white lines on the table by him ; and taking up
the piece of chalk, he marked one more line on his
tally. ^* I don't think this so good a tub as the last,
Tomkins, there's a twang about it — a want of juniper
— however, I hope we shall have better luck this time.
— Of course, you know we sail to-morrow."

CUTTER THE SECOND. 251

" I presume so, by the leg of mutton coming on
board."

*' True — true — I'm regular — as clock-work. —
After being twenty years a first-lieutenant, one gets a
little method — I like regularity. Now the admiral has
never omitted asking me to dinner once, every time
I have come into harbour, except this time. — I was
so certain of it, that I never expected to sail, and I
have but two shirts clean in consequence."

" That's odd, isn't it? and the more so, because he
has had such great people down here, and has been
giving large parties every day."

" And yet I made three seizures, besides sweeping
up those thirty-seven tubs."

" I swept them up," observed Smith.

" That's all the same thing, younker. — When
you've been a little longer in the service, you'll find
out that the commanding officer has the merit of all
that is done — but you're green yet. — Let me see, where
was I? Oh! — It was about ninety-three or ninety-
four, as I said. At that time I was in the Channel
fleet — Tomkins, I'll trouble you for the hot water —
this water's cold. — Mr. Smith, do me the favour to
ring the bell — Jem, some more hot water."

*' Please, sir," said Jem, who was barefooted, as
well as bareheaded, touching the lock of hair on his
forehead, " the cook has capsised the kettle — but he
has put more on."

'* Capsised the kettle! hah! — very well — we'll
talk about that to-morrow. — Mr. Tomkins do me the
favour to put him in the report, I may forget it. And
pray, sir, how long is it since he has put more on ? "

252 CUTTER THE SECOND.

" Just this moment, sir, as I came aft."

" Very well, we'll see to that to-morrow: — you
bring the kettle aft as soon as it is ready. — I say, Mr.
Jem, is that fellow sober ? ''

" Yees, sir, he be sober as you be."

" It's quite astonishing what a propensity the com-
mon sailors have to liquor. Forty odd years have I
been in the service, and I 've never found any differ-
ence : I only wish I had a guinea for every time that
I have given a fellow seven -water grog during my
servitude as first-lieutenant, I wouldn't call the king
my cousin. Well, if there's no hot water we must
take lukewarm — it won't do to heave to. By the L — d
Harry! who would have thought it? — I 'm at No. 161
— Let me count — yes ! surely I must have made a
mistake. — A fact, by heaven!" continued Mr. Appleboy,
throwing the chalk down on the table. " Only one
more glass, after this — that is, if I have counted right —
I may have seen double."

" Yes," drawled Smith.

" Well, never mind — Let's go on with my story. —
It was either in the year ninety-three or ninety-four,
that I was in the Channel fleet — we were then a-breast
ofTorbay."

*' Here be the hot water, sir," cried Jem, putting
the kettle down on the deck.

** Very well, boy. — By-the-by, has the jar of butter
come on board 1 "

" Yes, but it be broke all down the middle ; I tied
him up with a ropey arn."

'' Who broke it, sir?"

*' Coxswain says as how he didn't."

CUTTER THE SECOND. 253

" But who did, sir?"

" Coxswain handed it up to Bill Jones, and he says
as how he didn't."

" But who did, sir?"

" Bill Jones gave it to me, and I'm sure as how
I didn't."

'' Then who did, sir, I ask you?"

*' I think it be Bill Jones, sir, 'cause he's fond of
butter, I know, and there be very little left in the jar."

" Very well, we'll see to that to-morrow morning.
Mr. Tomkins, you'll oblige me by putting the butter-
jar down in the report, in case it should slip my
memory. Bill Jones, indeed, looks as if butter wouldn't
melt in his mouth — never mind. Well, it was, as I
said before — it was in the year ninety-three or ninety-
four, when I was in the Channel fleet ; we were then
off Torbay, and had just taken two reefs in the top-
sails. Stop, before I go on with my story, I'll take
my last glass — I think it's the last: let me count — •
yes, by heavens I make out sixteen, well told ! Never
mind, it shall be a stiff one. Boy, bring the kettle,
and mind you don't pour the hot water into my shoes,
as you did the other night. There, that will do. Now,
Tomkins, fill up yours; and you, Mr. Smith: let us all
start fair, and then you shall have my story — and a
very curious one it is, I can tell you ; I wouldn't have
believed it myself, if I hadn't seen it. Hilloa ! what's
this ? Confound it ! what's the matter with the toddy ?
Heh, Mr. Tomkins?"

Mr. Tomkins tasted, but, like the lieutenant, he
had made it very stiff j and, as he had also taken largely

254 CUTTER THE SECOND.

before, he was, like him, not quite so clear in his
discrimination: " It has a queer twang j sir; Smith,
what is it?"

Smith took up his glass, tasted the contents :

*^ Salt water,'" drawled the midshipman.

*^ Salt water! so it is, by heavens!" cried Mr. Ap-
pleboy.

" Salt as Lot's wife ! — by all that's infamous !" cried
the master's mate.

*' Salt water, sir!" cried Jem, in a fright — expect-
ing a salt eel for supper.

" Yes, sir," replied Mr. Appleboy, tossing the con-
tents of the tumbler in the boy's face, — " salt water.
Very well, sir — very well!"

" It warn't me, sir," replied the boy, making up
a piteous look.

'* No, sir, but you said the cook was sober."

" He was not so very much disguised, sir," replied
Jem.

" Oh ! very well — never mind. Mr. Tomkins, in
case I should forget it, do me the favour to put the
kettle of salt water down in the report. The scoundrel !
I'm very sorry, gentlemen, but there's no means of
having any more gin-toddy, — but never mind, we'll see
to this to-morrow. Two can play at this ; and if I
don't salt-water their grog, and make them drink it,
too, I have been twenty years a first-lieutenant for
nothing — that's all. Good night, gentlemen; and,"
continued the lieutenant, in a severe tone, " you'll
keep a sharp look-out, Mr. Smith — do you hear,
sir?"

CUTTER THE SECOND. 255

" Yes," drawled Smith, '' but it's not my watch ; it
was my first watch, and, just now, it struck one bell."

" You'll keep the middle watch, then, Mr. Smith,'*
said Mr. Appleboy, who was not a little put out ; *' and,
Mr. Tomkins, let me know as soon as it's daylight.
Boy, get my bed made. Salt water, by all that's blue !
However, we'll see to that to-morrow morning."

Mr. Appleboy then turned in ; so did Mr. Tomkins ;
and so did Mr. Smith, who had no idea of keeping
the middle watch because the cook was drunk and
had filled up the kettle with salt water. As for what
happened in ninety-three or ninety-four, I really would
inform the reader if I knew, but I'm afraid that that
most curious story is never to be handed down to
posterity.

The next morning, Mr. Tomkins, as usual, forgot
to report the cook, the jar of butter, and the kettle of
salt water; and Mr. Appleboy's wrath had long been
appeased before he remembered them. At daylight
the lieutenant came on deck, having only slept away
half of the sixteen, and a taste of the seventeenth salt
water glass of gin-toddy. He rubbed his gray eyes,
that he might peer through the gray of the morning ;
the fresh breeze blew about his grizzly locks, and
cooled his rubicund nose. The revenue-cutter, whose
name was the *' Active," cast off from the buoy ; and,
with a fresh breeze, steered her course for the Needles'
passage.

256

CHAPTER III.

CUTTER THE THIRD.

Reader ! have you been to St. Maloes ? If you have,
you were glad enough to leave the hole ; and, if you
have not, take my advice, and do not give yourself the
trouble to go and see that, or any other French port
in the Channel. There is not one worth looking
at. They have made one or two artificial ports, and
they are no great things ; there is no getting out, or
getting in. In fact, they have no harbours in the
Channel, while we have the finest in the world ; a
peculiar dispensation of Providence, because it knew
that we should want them, and France would not. In
France, what are called ports are all alike, nasty nar-
row holes, only to be entered at certain times of tide
and certain winds ; made up of basins and back-waters,
custom-houses, and cabarets ; just fit for smugglers to
run into, and nothing more: and, therefore, they are
used for very little else.

Now, in the dog-hole called St. Maloes there is
some pretty land, although a great deficiency of marine-
scenery. But never mind that : stay at home, and
don't go abroad to drink sour wine, because they call
it Bourdeaux, and eat villanous trash, so disguised by

CUTTER THE THIRD. 257

cooking that you cannot possibly tell which of the
birds of the air, or beasts of the field, or fishes of the
sea, you are cramming down your throat. '^ If all is
right, there is no occasion for disguise," is an old say-
ing ; so depend upon it, that there is something wrong,
and that you are eating offal, under a grand French
name. They eat every thing in France, and would
serve you up the head of a monkey who has died
of the small- pox, as Singe au petite verole — that is, if
you did not understand French ; if you did, they would
call it, Ttte diamour a V Ethiopique, and then you
would be even more puzzled. As for their wine,
there is no disguise in that — it's half vinegar. No,
no ! stay at home : you can live just as cheaply, if
you choose ; and then you will have good meat, good
vegetables, good ale, good beer, and a good glass of
grog — and what is of more importance, you will be in
good company. Live with your friends, and don't make
a fool of yourself.

I would not have condescended to have noticed this
place, had it not been that I wish you to observe a
vessel which is lying along the pier -wharf, with a
plank from the shore to her gunnel. It is low water,
and she is aground, and the plank dips down at such
an angle, that it is a work of danger to go either in or
out of her. You observe that there is nothing very
remarkable in her. She is a cutter, and a good sea-
boat, and sails well before the wind. She is short for
her breadth of beam, and is not armed. Smugglers do
not arm now — the service is too dangerous ; they effect
their purpose by cunning, not by force. Nevertheless,

258 CUTTER THE THIRD.

it requires that smugglers should be good seamen,
smart, active fellows, and keen-witted, or they can do
nothing. This vessel has not a large cargo in her, but
it is valuable. She has some thousand yards of lace,
a few hundred pounds of tea, a few bales of silk, and
about forty ankers of brandy — just as much as they can
land in one boat. All they ask is a heavy gale, or a
thick fog, and they trust to themselves for success.

There is nobody on board except a boy ; the crew
are all up at the cabaret, settling their little accounts
of every description — for they smuggle both ways, and
every man has his own private venture. There they
are all, fifteen of them, and fine-looking fellows, too,
sitting at that long table. They are very merry, but
quite sober, as they are to sail to-night.

The captain of the vessel (whose name, by-the-by,
is the " Happy-go-lucky," — the captain christened her
himself) is that fine-looking young man, with dark
whiskers, meeting under his throat. His name is Jack
Pickersgill. You perceive, at once, that he is much above
a common sailor in appearance. His manners are good,
he is remarkably handsome, very clean, and rather a
dandy in his dress. Observe, how very politely he takes
off his hat to that Frenchman, with whom he has just
settled accounts ; he beats Johnny Crapeau at his own
weapons. And then there is an air of command, a
feeling of conscious superiority about Jack ; see how he
treats the landlord, de haul en has, at the same time
that he is very civil. The fact is, that Jack is of a
very good, old family, and received a very excellent
education: but he was an orphan, his friends were

CUTTER THE THIRD. 259

poor, and could do but little for him ; he went out to
India as a cadet, ran away, and served in a schooner
which smuggled opium into China, and then came
home. He took a liking to the employment, and is
now laying up a very pretty little sum : not that he
intends to stop; no, as soon as he has enough to fit
out a vessel for himself, he intends to start again for
India, and with two cargoes of opium, he will return,
he trusts, with a handsome fortune, and reassume his
family name. Such are Jack's intentions : and, as he
eventually means to reappear as a gentleman, he pre-
serves his gentlemanly habits ; he neither drinks, nor
chews, nor smokes. He keeps his hands clean, wears
rings, and sports a gold snuff- box ; notwithstanding
which, Jack is one of the boldest and best of sailors,
and the men know it. He is full of fun, and as keen
as a razor. Jack has a very heavy venture this time
— all the lace is his own speculation, and, if he gets
it in safe, he will clear some thousands of pounds. A
certain fashionable shop in London has already agreed
to take the whole off his hands.

That short, neatly made young man, is the second
in command, and the companion of the captain. He
is clever, and always has a remedy to propose when
there is a difficulty, which is a great quality in a second
in command. His name is Corbett. He is always
merry — half sailor, half tradesman ; knows the markets,
runs up to London, and does business as well as a
chapman — lives for the day, and laughs at to-morrow.

That little punchy old man, with long gray hair
and fat face, with a nose like a note of interrogation,

260 CUTTER THE THIRD.

is the next personage of importance. He ought to be
called the sailing master, for, although he goes on shore
in France, off the English coast he never quits the
vessel. When they leave her with the goods, he re-
mains on board ; he is always to be found off any part
of the coast where he may be ordered ; holding his
position in defiance of gales, and tides, and fogs : as
for the revenue-vessels, they all know him well
enough, but they cannot touch a vessel in ballast, if
she has no more men on board than allowed by her
tonnage. He knows every creek, and hole, and
corner, of the coast ; how the tides run in — tide, half-
tide, eddy, or current. That is his value. His name
is Morrison.

You observe that Jack Pickersgill has two excellent
supporters in Corbett and Morrison ; his other men
are good seamen, active, and obedient, which is all that
he requires. I shall not particularly introduce them.

" Now you may call for another litre, my lads,
and that must be the last ; the tide is flowing fast, and
we shall be afloat in half an hour, and we have just
the breeze we want. What d'ye think, Morrison, shall
we have dirt?"

" I've been looking just now, and if it were any
other month in the year I should say, yes ; but there's
no trusting April, captain. Howsomever, if it does
blow off", I'll promise you a fog in three hours after-
wards."

" That will do as well. Corbett, have you settled
with Duval?"

*' Yes, after more noise and charivari than a panic

CUTTER THE THIRD. 261

in the stock-exchange would make in England. He
fought and squabbled for an hour, and I found that,
without some abatement, I never should have settled
the affair."

*' What did you let him off?"

" Seventeen sous," replied Corbett, laughing.

** And that satisfied him?" inquired Pickersgill.

" Yes — it was all he could prove to be a surf aire:
two of the knives were a little rusty. But he will
always have something off; he could not be happy
without it. I really think he would commit suicide, if
he had to pay a bill without a deduction."

" Let him live," replied Pickersgill. *' Jeannette,
a bottle of Volnay, of 1811, and three glasses."

Jeannette, who was the fille de cabaret, soon ap-
peared with a bottle of a wine, seldom called for, except
by the captain of the Happy-go-lucky.

" You sail to- night t" said she, as she placed the
bottle before him.

Pickersgill nodded his head.

" I had a strange dream," said Jeannette ; *' I
thought you were all taken by a revenue cutter, and
put into a cachot. I went to see you, and I did not
know one of you again — you were all changed."

" Very likely, Jeannette — you would not be the
first who did not know their friends again when in
misfortune. There was nothing strange in your dream."

*' Mais, mon JDieu ! je ne suis pas comme fa, moi."

" No, that you are not, Jeannette ; you are a good
girl, and some of these fine days I'll marry you," said
Corbett.

262 CUTTER THE THIRD.

" Doit etre Men beau cejour Id, par exemple,'" re-
plied Jeannette, laughing ; ** you have promised to
marry me every time you have come in, these last
three years."

" Well, that proves I keep to my promise, any
how."

" Yes ; but you never go any farther."

" I can't spare him, Jeannette, that is the real
truth," said the captain; ** but vrait a little — in the
mean time, here is a five-franc-piece to add to your
petite fortune,''

'' Merci bien, monsieur le capitaine ; bon voyage F'
Jeannette held her finger up to Corbett, saying, with a
smile, " mechant!" and then quitted the room.

" Come, Morrison, help us to empty this bottle,
and then we will all go on board."

" I wish that girl wouldn't come here with her
nonsensical dreams," said Morrison, taking his seat;
** I don't like it. When she said that we should be
taken by a revenue cutter, I was looking at a blue and
a white pigeon sitting on the wall opposite ; and I said
to myself, now, if that be a warning, I will see : if
the blue pigeon flies away first, I shall be in jail in a
week ; if the white, I shall be back here."

" Well?'' said Pickersgill, laughing.

" It wasn't well," answered Morrison, tossing off
his wine, and putting the glass down with a deep sigh ;
** for the cursed blue pigeon flew away immediately."

" Why, Morrison, you must have a chicken-heart
to be frightened at a blue pigeon," said Corbett, laugh-
ing, and looking out of the window ; "at all events,

CUTTER THE THIRD. 263

he has come back again, and there he is sitting by the
white one."

" It's the first time that ever I was called chicken-
hearted," replied Morrison, in wrath.

" Nor do you deserve it, Morrison," replied Pick-
ersgill ; " but Corbett is only joking."

*^ Well, at all events I'll try my luck in the same
way, and see whether I am to be in jail : 1 shall take
the blue pigeon as my bad omen, as you did."

The sailors and Captain Pickersgill all rose and
went to the window, to ascertain Corbett's fortune by
this new species of augury. The blue pigeon flapped
his wings, and then he sidled up to the white one ; at
last, the white pigeon flew off the wall and settled on
the roof of the adjacent house. " Bravo! white
pigeon," said Corbett ; "I shall be here again in a
week." The whole party, laughing, then resumed
their seats ; and Morrison's countenance brightened
up. As he took the glass of wine poured out by
Pickersgill, he said, *' Here's your health, Corbett ;
it was all nonsense, after all — for, d'ye see, I can't be
put in jail without you are. We all sail in the same
boat, and when you leave me, you take with you every
thing that can condemn the vessel — so here's success
to our trip."

*^ We will all drink that toast, my lads, and then on
board," said the captain ; " here's success to our trip."

The captain rose, as did the mates and men, drank
the toast, turned down the drinking vessels on the
table, hastened to the wharf, and, in half an hour, the
Happy-go-lucky was clear of the port of St. Maloes.

264

CHAPTER IV.

PORTLAND BILL.

The Happy-go-lucky sailed with a fresh breeze and a
flowing sheet from St. Maloes, the evening before the
Arrow sailed from Barn Pool. The Active sailed from
Portsmouth the morning after.

The yacht, as we before observed, was bound to
Cowes, in the Isle of Wight. The Active had orders to
cruize wherever she pleased within the limits of the
admiral's station; and she ran for West Bay, on the
other side of the Bill of Portland. The Happy-go-
lucky was also bound for that bay to land her cargo.

The wind was light, and there was every appear-
ance of fine weather, when the Happy-go-lucky, at 10
o'clock on the Tuesday night, made the Portland
Lights; as it was impossible to run her cargo that
night, she hove to.

At 11 o'clock, the Portland lights were made by the
revenue cutter, Active. Mr. Appleboy went up to have
a look at them, ordered the cutter to be hove to, and
then went down to finish his allowance of gin-toddy.
At 12 o'clock, the yacht Arrow made the Portland
lights, and continued her course, hardly stemming the
ebb tide.

PORTLAND BILL. 265

Day broke, and the horizon was clear. The first
on the look-out were, of course, the smugglers ; they,
and those on board of the revenue cutter, were the only
two interested parties — the yacht was neuter.

" There are two cutters in sight, sir," said Corbett
who had the watch ; for Pickersgill, having been up
almost the whole night, had thrown himself down on
his bed with his clothes on.

" What do they look like ?" said Pickersgill, who
was up in a moment.

" One is a yacht, and the other may be ; but I
rather think, as far as I can judge in the grey, that it
is our old friend off here."

" What! old Appleboy?"

" Yes, it looks like him ; but the day has scarcely
broke yet."

** Well, he can do nothing in a light wind like
this; and, before the wind, we can shew him our
heels : but are you sure the other is a yacht ?" said
Pickersgill, coming on the deck.

'* Yes ; the king is more careful of his canvass."

" You're right," said Pickersgill, " that is a yacht;
and you're right there again in your guess — that is
the stupid old Active, which creeps about creeping for
tubs. W^ell, I see nothing to alarm us at present,
provided it don't fall a dead calm, and then we must
take to our boat as soon as he takes to his; we
are four miles from him at least. Watch his mo-
tions, Corbett, and see if he lowers a boat. What
does she go now? four knots — that will soon tire
their men."

266 PORTLAND BILL.

The positions of the three cutters were as fol-
lows : —

The Happy-go-lucky was ahout four miles off
Portland Head, and well into West Bay. The re-
venue cutter was close to the Head. The yacht was
outside of the smuggler about two miles to the west-
ward, and about five or six miles from the revenue
cutter.

" Two vessels in sight, sir," said Mr. Smith,
coming down into the cabin to Mr. Appleboy.

*' Very well," replied the lieutenant, who was
lying down in his standing bed-place.

" The people say one is the Happy-go-lucky, sir,"
drawled Smith.

" Heh ? what ! Happy-go-lucky ? yes, I recollect ;
I've boarded her twenty times — always empty. How's
she standing ?"

" She stands to the westward now, sir; but she
was hove to, they say, when they first saw her."

*' Then she has a cargo in her;" and Mr. Appleboy
shaved himself, dressed, and went on deck.

" Yes," said the lieutenant, rubbing his eyes again
and again, and then looking through the glass, " it is
her sure enough. Let draw the fore-sheet — hands
make sail. What vessel's the other?"

" Don't know, sir, — she's a cutter."

*' A cutter? yes; may be a yacht, or may be the
new cutter ordered on the station. Make all sail,
Mr. Tomkins; hoist our pendant, and fire a gun —
they will understand what we mean then ; they don't
know the Happy-go-lucky as well as we do."

PORTLAND BILL. 267

In a few minutes the Active was under a press of
sail; she hoisted her pendant, and fired a gun. The
smuggler perceived that the Active had recognised
her, and she also threw out more canvass, and ran off
more to the westward.

" There's a gun, sir," reported one of the men to
Mr. Stewart, on board of the yacht.

" Yes; give me the glass — a revenue cutter; then
this vessel in shore, running towards us, must be a
smuggler."

'^ She has just now made all sail, sir."

'* Yes, there's no doubt of it ; I will go down to his
lordship — keep her as she goes."

Mr. Stewart then went down to inform Lord B.
of the circumstance. Not only Lord B., but most of
the gentlemen came on deck; as did soon afterwards
the ladles, who had received the intelligence from Lord
B., who spoke to them through the door of the cabin.

But the smuggler had more wind than the reve-
nue cutter, and increased her distance.

" If we were to wear round now, my lord," ob-
served Mr. Stewart, " she is just abreast of us and in
shore, we could prevent her escape."

" Round with her, Mr. Stewart," said Lord B.,
" we must do our duty, and protect the laws."

" That will not be fair, papa," said Cecilia Ossul-
ton, " we have no quarrel with the smugglers ; I'm
sure the ladies have not, for they bring us beautiful
things."

*' Miss Ossulton," observed her aunt, " it is not
proper for you to offer an opinion."

The yacht wore round, and, sailing so fast, the

268 PORTLAND BILL.

smuggler had little chance of escaping her; but to
chase is one thing — to capture, another.

" Let us give her a gun," said Lord B., " that will
frighten her ; and he dare not cross our hawse."

The gun was loaded, and not being more than a
mile from the smuggler, actually threw the ball almost
a quarter of the way.

The gentlemen, as well as Lord B., were equally
excited by the ardour of pursuit ; but the wind died
away, and at last it was nearly calm. The revenue
cutter's boats were out, and coming up fast.

" Let us get our boat out, Stewart," said his lord-
ship ; " and help them, it is quite calm now."

The boat was soon out : it was a very large one,
usually stowed on, and occupied a large portion of, the
deck. It pulled six oars; and when it was manned,
Mr. Stewart jumped in, and Lord B. followed him.

" But you have no arms," said Mr. Hautaine.

*^ The smugglers never resist now," observed
Stewart.

'* Then you are going on a very gallant expedition,
indeed," observed Cecilia Ossulton ; '^ I wish you joy."

But Lord B. was too much excited to pay attention.
They shoved off, and pulled towards the smuggler.

At this time, the revenue boats were about five miles
astern of the Happy-go-lucky, and the yacht about
three quarters of a mile from her in the offing. Pick-
ersgill had, of course, observed the motions of the
yacht; had seen her wear on chase, hoist her ensign
and pendant, and fire her gun.

*' Well," said he, " this is the blackest ingratitude;
to be attacked by the very people whom we smuggle

PORTLAND BILL.

for. I only wish she may come up with us ; and, let
her attempt to interfere, she shall rue the day : I don't
much like this, though."

As we before observed, it fell nearly calm, and
the revenue boats were in chase. Pickersgill watched
them as they came up.

"What shall we do," said Corbett, — " get the
boat out ?"

" Yes," replied Pickersgill, " we will get the boat
out, and have the goods in her all ready : but we can
pull faster than they do, in the first place ; and, in the
next, they will be pretty well tired before they come
up to us. We are fresh, and shall soon walk away
from them ; so I shall not leave the vessel till they are
within half a mile. We must sink the ankers, that
they may not seize the vessel, for it is not worth while
taking them with us. Pass them along ready to run
them over the bows, that they may not see us and swear
to it. But we have a good half hour and more."

" Ay, and you may hold all fast if you choose,"
said Morrison, '^ although it's better to be on the right
side and get ready; otherwise, before half an hour, I'll
swear that we are out of their sight : look there," said
he, pointing to the eastward at a heavy bank, " it's
coming right down upon us, as I said it would."

" True enough, but still there is no saying which
will come up first, Morrison ; the boats or the fog, so
we must be prepared."

" Hilloa! what's this? why, there's a boat coming
from the yacht."

Pickersgill took out his glass.

270 PORTLAND BILL.

" Yes, and the yacht's own boat, with the name
painted on her bows. Well, let them come — we will
have no ceremony in resisting them; they are not in
the act of Parliament, and must take the consequences.
We have nought to fear. Get stretchers, my lads, and
hand-spikes ; they row six oars, and are three in the
stern-sheets — they must be good men if they take us."

In a few minutes Lord B. was close to the smuggler.

" Boat, ahoy! what do you want?"

*' Surrender, in the king's name."

" To what, and to whom, and what are we to sur-
render? We are an English vessel coasting along
shore."

" Pull on board, my lads," cried Stewart; " I ama
king's officer — we know her."

The boat darted alongside, and Stewart and Lord B.,
followed by the men, jumped on the deck.

" Well, gentlemen, what do you want?" said Pick-
ersgill.

*^ We seize you — you are a smuggler; there's no
denying it — look at the casks of spirits stretched along
the deck."

'^ We never said that we were not smugglers,"
replied Pickersgill ; " but what is that to you? you
are not a king's ship, or employed by the revenue."

" No, but we carry a pendant, and it is our duty
to protect the laws."

" And who are you?" said Pickersgill.

" I am Lord B."

" Then, my lord, allow me to say that you would
do much better to attend to the framing of laws, and

PORTLAND BILL. 271

leave people of less consequence, like those astern of
nie, to execute them. ' Mind your own business/ is
an old adage. We shall not hurt you, my lord, as you
have only employed words, but we shall put it out of
your power to hurt us. Come aft, my lads. Now, my
lord, resistance is useless ; we are double your numbers,
and you have caught a Tartar."

Lord B. and Mr. Stewart perceived that they were
in an awkward predicament.

" You may do what you please," observed Mr.
Stewart, " but the revenue boats are coming up, re-
collect."

" Look you, sir, do you see the revenue cutter?"
said Pickersgill.

Stewart looked in that direction, and saw that she
was hidden in the fog.

'* In five minutes, sir, the boats will be out of sight
also, and so will your vessel ; we have nothing to fear
from them."

"Indeed, my lord, we had better return," said
Mr. Stewart, who perceived that Pickersgill was right.

" I beg your pardon, you will not go on board of
your yacht so soon as you expect. Take the oars out
of the boat, my lads, two or three of you, and throw in
a couple of our paddles for them to reach the shore
with. The rest of you knock down the first man who
offers to resist. You are not aware, perhaps, my lord,
that you have attempted piracy on the high seas."

Stewart looked at Lord B. It was true enough.
The men of the yacht could offer no resistance ; the

272 PORTLAND BILL.

oars were taken out of the boat, and the men put in
again.

" My lord," said Pickersgill, " your boat is
manned — do me the favour to step into it; and you,
sir, do the same. I should be sorry to lay my hands
upon a peer of the realm, or a king's officer even on
half pay."

Remonstrance was vain ; his lordship was led to
the boat by two of the smugglers, and Stewart fol-
lowed.

" I will leave your oars, my lord, at the Wey-
mouth custom-house; and I trust this will be a
lesson to you in future to ' mind your own business.'"

The boat was shoved oflf from the sloop by the
smugglers, and was soon lost sight of in the fog, which
had now covered the revenue boats as well as the
yacht; at the same time, it brought down a breeze
from the eastward.

" Haul to the wind, Morrison," said Pickersgill,
" we will stand out to get rid of the boats; if they
pull on, they will take it for granted that we shall run
into the bay, as will the revenue cutter."

Pickersgill and Corbett were in conversation abaft
for a short time, when the former desired the course to
be altered two points.

*' Keep silence all of you, my lads, and let me
know if you hear a gun or a bell from the yacht,"
said Pickersgill.

'^ There is a gun, sir, close to us," said one of the
men- — '* the sound was right ahead."

PORTLAND BILL. 273

*' That will do, keep her as she goes. Aft here,
my lads ; we cannot run our cargo in the bay, for the
cutter has been seen to chase us, and they will all be
on the look-out at the preventive stations for us on
shore. Now, my lads, I have made up my mind that,
as these yacht gentlemen have thought proper to in-
terfere, that I will take possession of the yacht for a
few days. We shall then outsail every thing, go
where we like unsuspected, and land our cargo with
ease. I shall run alongside of her — she can have but
few hands on board ; and mind, do not hurt any body,
but be civil and obey my orders. Morrison, you and
your four men and the boy will remain on board as
before, and take the vessel to Cherbourg, where we
will join you."

In a short time, another gun was fired from the
yacht. Those on board, particularly the ladies, were
alarmed ; the fog was very thick, and they could not
distinguish the length of the vessel. They had seen the
boat board, but had not seen her turned adrift without
oars, as the fog came on just at that time. The yacht
was left with only three seamen on board, and, should
it come on bad weather, they were in an awkward
predicament. Mr. Hautaine had taken the command,
and ordered the guns to be fired that the boat might be
enabled to find them. The fourth gun was loading,
when they perceived the smugglers' cutter close to
them, looming through the fog.

'^ Here they are," cried the seamen ; '^ and they
have brought the prize along with them. Three cheers
for the Arrow ! "

274 PORTLAND BILL.

" Hilloa! you'll be on board of lis," cried Hau-
taine.

" That's exactly what I intended to be, sir," replied
Pickersgill, jumping on the quarter-deck, followed by
his men.

" Who the devil are you?"

" That's exactly the same question that I asked
Lord B. when he boarded us," replied Pickersgill,
taking off his hat to the ladies.

" Well, but what business have you here ?"

*' Exactly the same question which I put to
Lord B.," replied Pickersgill.

" Where is Lord B., sir?" said Cecilia Ossulton,
going up to the smuggler; '* is he safe?"

*' Yes, madam, he is safe ; at least he is in his boat
with all his men, and unhurt — but you must excuse
me, if I request you and the other ladies to go down
below, while I speak to these gentlemen. Be under no
alarm, miss ; you will receive neither insult nor ill
treatment — I have only taken possession of this vessel
for the present."

** Take possession," cried Hautaine, " of a yacht!"

" Yes, sir, since the owner of the yacht thought
proper to attempt to take possession of me. I always
thought that yachts were pleasure-vessels, sailing about
for amusement, respected themselves, and not inter-
fering with others ; but it appears that such is not the
case. The owner of this yacht has thought proper to
break through the neutrality, and commence aggres-
sion; and, under such circumstances, I have now,
in retaliation, taken possession of her."

PORTLAND BILL. 275

" And, pray, what do you mean to do, sir?"

" Simply, for a few days, to make an exchange. I
shall send you on board of my vessel as smugglers,
while I remain here with the ladies, and amuse myself
with yachting."

" Why, sir, you cannot mean — "

" I have said, gentlemen, and that is enough ; I
should be sorry to resort to violence, but I must be
obeyed. You have, I perceive, three seamen only left :
they are not sufficient to take charge of the vessel,
and Lord B. and the others you will not meet for
several days. My regard for the ladies — even common
humanity, points out to me that I cannot leave the
vessel in this crippled condition. At the same time,
as I must have hands on board of my own, you will
oblige me by going on board, and taking her safely
into port. It is the least return you can make for my
kindness. In those dresses, gentlemen, you will not
be able to do your duty ; oblige me by shifting, and
putting on these." Corbett handed a flannel shirt, a
rough jacket and trousers, to Messrs. Hautaine, Ossul-
ton, Vaughan, and Seagrove. After some useless re-
sistance they were stripped, and, having put on the
smugglers' attire, they were handed on board of the
Happy-go-lucky .

The three English seamen were also sent on board,
and confined below, as well as Ossulton's servant, who
was also equipped like his master, and confined below
with the seamen. Corbett and the men then handed up
all the smuggled goods into the yacht, dropped the boat,
and made it fast astern ; and, Morrison having received

276 PORTLAND BILL.

his directions, the vessels separated — Morrison running
for Cherbourg, and Pickersgill steering the yacht along
shore to the westward. About an hour after this ex-
change had been effected, the fog cleared up, and shewed
the revenue cutter hove to for her boats, which had
pulled back, and were close on board of her ; and the
Happy-go-lucky, about three miles in the offing. Lord
B. and his boat's crew were about four miles in shore,
paddling and drifting with the tide towards Portland.
As soon as the boats were on board, the revenue cutter
made all sail after the smuggler, paying no attention
to the yacht, and either not seeing or not caring about
the boat which was drifting about in West Bay.

277

CHAPTER V.

THE TRAVESTIE,

" Here we are, Corbett, and now I only wish my
venture had been double," observed Pickersgill ; *' but
I shall not allow business to absorb me wholly — we
must add a little amusement. It appears to me, Cor-
bett, that the gentleman's clothes which lie there will
fit you, and those of the good-looking fellow who was
spokesman will, I am sure, suit me well. Now, let
us dress ourselves, and then for breakfast."

Pickersgill then exchanged his clothes for those of
Mr. Hautaine, and Corbett fitted on those of Mr. Os-
sulton. The steward was summoned up, and he dared
not disobey ; he appeared on deck, trembling.

" Steward — you will take these clothes below,"
said Pickersgill, " and, observe, I now command this
yacht; and, during the time that I am on board, you
will pay me the same respect as you did Lord B. ; nay,
more, you will always address me as Lord B. You
will prepare dinner and breakfast, and do your duty
just as if his lordship was on board, and take care
that you feed us well, for I will not allow the ladies
to be entertained in a less sumptuous manner than
before. — You will tell the cook what 1 say, — and now

278 THE TRAVESTIE.

that you have heard me, take care that you obey ; if
not, recollect that I have my own men here, and if
I but point with my finger, overboard you go. — Do
you perfectly comprehend me?"

'^ Yes, — sir," stammered the steward.

" Yes, sir/— What did I tell you, sirrah? — Yes,
my lord. — Do you understand me?"

" Yes— my lord."

^* Pray, steward, whose clothes has this gentleman
put on?"

" Mr. — Mr. Ossulton's, I think — sir — my lord —
I mean."

Very well, steward ; then recollect, in future you
always address that gentleman as Mr. Ossulton."

" Yes, my lord," and the steward went down below,
and was obliged to take a couple of glasses of brandy,
to keep himself from fainting.

" Who are they, and what are they ! Mr. Maddox?"
cried the lady*s-maid, who had been weeping.

" Pirates! — blood?/, murderous, stick-at-nothing pi-
rates !" replied the steward.

" Oh !" screamed the lady's-maid, *' what will be-
come of us, poor unprotected females!" and she hastened
into the cabin, to impart this dreadful intelligence.

The ladies in the cabin were not in a very enviable
situation. As for the elder Miss Ossulton, (but, per-
haps, it will be better in future, to distinguish the two
ladies, by calling the elder simply Miss Ossulton, and
her niece, Cecilia,) she was sitting with her salts to
her nose, agonised with a mixture of trepidation and
wounded pride. Mrs. Lascelles was weeping, but

THE TRAVESTIE. 279

weeping gently. Cecilia was sad, and her heart was
beating with anxiety and suspense — when the maid
rushed in.

" Oh madam ! Oh miss ! Oh Mrs. Lascelles ! I
have found it all out! — they are murderous, bloody,
do-every- thing pirates ! ! ! "

Mercy on us!" exclaimed Miss Ossulton, *^ surely
they will never dare ?"

*^ Oh, ma'am, they dare any thing! — they just now
were throwing the steward overboard — and they have
rummaged all the portmanteaus, and dressed them-
selves in the gentlemen's best clothes — the captain of
them told the steward that he was Lord B. — and that
if he dared to call him any thing else, he would cut
his throat from ear to ear — and if the cook don't give
them a good dinner, they swear that they '11 chop his
right hand off, and make him eat it, without pepper or
salt!"

Miss Ossulton screamed, and went off into hysterics.
— Mrs. Lascelles and Cecilia went to her assistance;
but the latter had not forgotten the very different
behaviour of Jack Pickersgill, and his polite manners,
when he boarded the vessel. She did not, therefore,
believe what the maid had reported, but still her
anxiety and suspense were great, especially about her
father. After having restored her aunt, she put on
her bonnet, which was lying on the sofa.

" Where are you going, dear?" said Mrs. Lascelles.

" On deck," replied Cecilia; '* I must and will
speak to these men."

280 THE TRAVESTIE.

*^ Gracious heaven ! Miss Ossulton ; going on deck !
have you heard what Phoebe says 1 "

" Yes, aunt, I have — but I can wait here no longer."

" Stop her I stop her! — she will be murdered! —
she will be — she is mad!" screamed Miss Ossulton;
but no one attempted to stop Cecilia, and on deck she
went. On her arrival, she found Jack Pickersgill and
Corbett walking the deck ; one of the smugglers at the
helm, and the rest forward, and as quiet as the crew
of the yacht. As soon as she made her appearance,
Jack took off his hat, and made her a bow.

" I do not know whom I have the honour of address-
ing, young lady I but I am flattered with this mark
of confidence. — You feel, and I assure you, you feel
correctly, that you are not exactly in lawless hands."

Cecilia looked with more surprise than fear at Pick-
ersgill ; Mr. Hautaine's dress became him, he was a
handsome, fine -looking man, and had nothing of the
rufiian in his appearance ; unless, like Byron's Corsair,
he was half savage, half soft. She could not help
thinking that she had met many with less pretensions,
as far as appearance went, to the claims of a gentle-
man at Al mack's, and other fashionable circles.

*^ I have ventured on deck, sir," said Cecilia, with
a little tremulousness in her voice, " to request, as a
favour, that you will inform me what your intentions
may be, with regard to the vessel, and with regard to
the ladies?"

" And I feel much obliged to you, for your so doing,
and I assure you, I will, as far as I have made up my

THE TRAVESTIE. 281

own mind, answer you candidly : but you tremble —
allow me to conduct you to a seat. In few words, then,
to remove your present alarm, I intend that the vessel
shall be returned to its owner, with every article in it,
as religiously respected as if they were church property.
With respect to you, and the other ladies on board,
I pledge you my honour, that you have nothing to
fear ; that you shall be treated with every respect ;
your privacy never invaded ; and that, in a few days,
you will be restored to your friends. Young lady, I
pledge my hopes of future salvation to the truth of this ;
but, at the same time, I must make a few conditions,
which, however, will not be very severe."

" But, sir," replied Cecilia, much relieved, for Pick-
ersgill had stood by her in the most respectful manner,
" you are, I presume, the captain of the smuggler? —
Pray, answer me one question more — What became
of the boat, with Lord B., — he is my father?"

** I left him in his boat, without a hair of his head
touched, young lady ; but I took away the oars."

" Then he will perish!" cried Cecilia, putting her
handkerchief to her eyes.

'^ No, young lady, he is on shore probably by this
time ; although I took away his means of assisting to
capture us, 1 left him the means of gaining the land.
It is not every one who would have done that, after his
conduct to us."

'' I begged him not to go," said Cecilia; " I told
him that it was not fair, and that he had no quarrel
with the smugglers."

'^ I thank you even for that," replied Pickersgill;

282 THE TRAVESTIE.

" and now, miss — I have not the pleasure of recollect-
ing his lordship's family name."

" Ossulton, sir," said Cecilia, looking at Pickersgill
with surprise.

*^ Then, with your permission, Miss Ossulton, I
will now make you my confidant ; excuse my using so
free a term, but it is because I wish to relieve your
fears ; at the same time, I cannot permit you to divulge
all my intentions to the whole party on board ; I feel
that I may trust you, for you have courage, and where
there is courage, there generally is truth ; but you
must first tell me whether you will condescend to
accept these terms?'*

Cecilia demurred a moment — the idea of being the
confidant of a smuggler rather startled her ; but still,
her knowledge of what his intentions were, if she
might not reveal them, might be important; as, per-
haps, she might dissuade him. She could be in no
worse position than she was now, and she might be in
a much better. The conduct of Pickersgill had been
such, up to the present, as to inspire confidence; and,
although he defied the laws, he appeared to regard
the courtesies of life. Cecilia was a courageous girl,
and at length she replied : —

<' Provided what you desire me to keep secret will
not be injurious to any one, or compromise me, in my
peculiar situation, I consent."

" I would not hurt a fly. Miss Ossulton, but in self-
defence, and I have too much respect for you, from
your conduct during our short meeting, to compromise
you. Allow me now to be very candid; and then.

THE TRAVESTIE. 283

perhaps, you will acknowledge that, in my situation,
others would do the same ; and, perhaps, not shew half
so much forbearance. Your father, without any right
whatever, interferes with me, and my calling ; he at-
tempts to make me a prisoner, to have me thrown in
jail ; heavily fined, and, perhaps, sent out of the country.
I will not enter into any defence of smuggling, it is
sufficient to say, that there are pains and penalties at-
tached to the infraction of certain laws, and that I
choose to risk them — but Lord B. was not empowered
by government to attack me — it was a gratuitous act,
and had I thrown him, and all his crew into the sea,
I should have been justified, for it was in short, an act
of piracy on their part. Now, as your father has thought
to turn a yacht into a revenue cutter, you cannot be
surprised at my retaliating, in turning her into a
smuggler; and as he has mixed up looking after the
revenue with yachting, he cannot be surprised if I re-
taliate, by mixing up a little yachting with smuggling.
I have dressed your male companions as smugglers,
and have sent them in the smuggling vessel to Cher-
bourg, where they will be safely landed ; and I have
dressed myself, and the only person whom I could join
with me in this frolic, as gentlemen, in their places.
My object is twofold ; one is, to land my cargo, which
I have now on board, and which is very valuable;
the other is, to retaliate upon your father and his
companions, far their attempt upon me, by stepping
into their shoes, and enjoying, for a day or two, their
luxuries. It is my intention to make free with nothing,
but his lordship's wine and eatables, — that you may be

284 THE TRAVESTIE.

assured of; but I shall have no pleasure, if the ladies do
not sit down to the dinner- table with us, as they did
before with your father and his friends."

'^ You can hardly expect that, sir," said Cecilia.

*' Yes, I do ; and that will be not only the price of
the early release of the yacht and themselves, but it
will also be the only means by which they will obtain
any thing to eat. You observe. Miss Ossulton, the
sins of the fathers are visited on the children. I have
now told you what I mean to do, and what I wish. I
leave you to think of it, and decide whether it will not
be best for all parties to consent. You have my per-
mission to tell the other ladies, that whatever may
be their conduct, they are as secure from ill treatment
or rudeness, as if they were in Grosvenor Square ; but
I cannot answer that they will not be hungry, if, after
such forbearance in every point, they shew so little
gratitude, as not to honour me with their company."

" Then I am to understand, that we are to be
starved into submission."

" No, not starved. Miss Ossulton ; but recollect,
that you will be on bread and water, and detained
until you do consent, and your detention will increase
the anxiety of your father."

" You know how to persuade, sir," said Cecilia.
" As far as I am concerned, I trust I shall ever be
ready to sacrifice any feelings of pride, to spare my
father so much uneasiness. With your permission, I
will now go down into the cabin, and relieve my com-
panions from the worst of their fears. As for obtaining
what you wish, I can only say, that, as a young person.

THE TRAVESTIE. 285

I am not likely to have much influence with those
older than myself, and must inevitably be overruled,
as I have not permission to point out to them reasons
which might avail. Would you so far allow me to be
relieved from my promise, as to communicate all you
have said to me, to the only married woman on board ?
I think I then might obtain your wishes, which, I must
candidly tell you, I shall attempt to effect, only because
I am most anxious to rejoin my friends."

" And be relieved of my company," replied Pick-
ersgill, smiling, ironically, — *' of course you are ; but I
must and will have my petty revenge ; and although
you may, and probably will detest me, at all events,
you shall not have any very formidable charge to make
against me. — Before you go below, Miss Ossulton, I
give you my permission to add the married lady to the
number of my confidants ; and you must permit me to
introduce my friend, Mr. Ossulton," and Pickersgill
waved his hand in the direction of Corbett, who took
off his hat, and made a low obeisance.

It was impossible for Cecilia Ossulton to help
smiling.

" And," continued Pickersgill, " having taken the
command of this yacht, instead of his lordship, it is
absolutely necessary that I also take his lordship's name.
While on board, I am Lord B. ; and allow me to in-
troduce myself under that name — I cannot be addressed
otherwise. Depend upon it, Miss Ossulton, that I shall
have a most paternal solicitude to make you happy
and comfortable."

Had Cecilia Ossulton dared to have given vent to

286 THE TRAVESTIE.

her real feelings at that time, she would have hurst into
a fit of laughter, it was too ludicrous. At the same
time the very burlesque reassured her still more. She
went into the cabin with a heavy weight removed from
her heart.

In the meantime, Miss Ossulton and Mrs. Lascelles
remained below, in the greatest anxiety at Cecilia's
prolonged stay ; they knew not what to think, and
dared not go on deck. Mrs. Lascelles had once de-
termined at all risks to go up ; but Miss Ossulton and
Phoebe had screamed, and implored her so fervently
not to leave them, that she unwillingly consented to
remain. Cecilia's countenance, when she entered the
cabin, reassured Mrs. Lascelles, but not her aunt, who
ran to her, crying and sobbing, and clinging to her,
saying, " What have they done to you, my poor, poor
Cecilia?"

" Nothing at all, aunt;"^ replied Cecilia, ^' the
captain speaks very fairly, and says that he shall re-
spect us in every possible way, provided that we obey
his orders, but if not — "

" If not — what, Cecilia?" said Miss Ossulton,
grasping her niece's arm.

" He will starve us, and not let us go!"

" God have mercy on us ! '' — cried Miss Ossulton,
renewing her sobs.

Cecilia then went to Mrs. Lascelles, and communi-
cated to her, apart, all that had passed. Mrs. Lascelles
agreed with Cecilia, that they were in no danger of
insult; and as they talked over the matter, they at
last began to laugh; there was a novelty in it, and

THE TRAVESTIE. 287

there was something so ridiculous in all the gentle-
men being turned into smugglers. Cecilia was glad
that she could not tell her aunt, as she wished her to be
so frightened, as never to have her company on board
of the yacht again ; and Mrs. Lascelles was too glad
to annoy her for many and various insults received.
The matter was, therefore, canvassed over very satis-
factorily, and Mrs. Lascelles felt a natural curiosity
to see this new Lord B. and the second Mr. Ossulton.
But they had had no breakfast, and were feeling very
hungi-y, now that their alarm was over. They desired
Phoebe to ask the steward for some tea or coffee. The
reply was, that " Breakfast was laid in the cabin, and
Lord B. trusted that the ladies would come to partake
of it."

" No, no,'' replied Mrs. Lascelles, " I never can,
without being introduced to them first."

*' Nor will I go," replied Cecilia, " but I will write
a note, and we will have our breakfast here." Cecilia
wrote a note in pencil as follows.

" Miss Ossulton 's compliments to Lord B., and, as
the ladies feel rather indisposed after the alarm of this
morning, they trust that his lordship will excuse their
coming to breakfast ; but hope to meet his lordship at
dinner, if not before that time, on deck."

The answer was propitious, and the steward soon
appeared with the breakfast in the ladies' cabin.

^' Well Maddox," said Cecilia, " how do you get
on with your new master ? "

The steward looked at the door to see if it was
closed, shook his head, and then said with a look of

288 THE TRAVESTIE.

despair, '' He has ordered a haunch of venison for
dinner, miss, and he has twice threatened to toss me
overboard/'

*' You must obey him, Maddox, or he certainly
will. These pirates are dreadful fellows; be attentive,
and serve him just as if he was my father."

" Yes, yes, ma'am, I will, but our time may come ;
it's burglary on the high seas, and I'll go fifty miles to
see him hanged."

'* Steward!" cried Pickersgill, from the cabin.

*' O, lord! he can't have heard me — d'ye think he
did, miss?"

** The partitions are very thin, and you spoke very
loud," said Mrs. Lascelles ; ** at all events, go to him
quickly."

*' Good bye, miss ; good bye, ma'am ; if I shouldn't
see you any more," said Maddox, trembling with fear,
as he obeyed the awful summons — which was to de-
mand a toothpick.

Miss Ossulton would not touch the breakfast ; not
so Mrs. Lascelles and Cecilia, who ate very heartily.

*' It's very dull to be shut up in this cabin," said
Mrs. Lascelles ; " come, Cecilia, let's go on deck."

" And leave me," cried Miss Ossulton.

** There is Phoebe here, aunt ; we are going up to
persuade the pirates to put us all on shore."

Mrs. Lascelles and Cecilia put on their bonnets and
went up. Lord B. took off his hat, and begged the
honour of being introduced to the pretty widow. He
handed the ladies to a seat, and then commenced
conversing upon various subjects, which, at the same

THE TRAVESTIE. 289

time, possessed great novelty. His lordship talked
about France, and described its ports; told now and
then a good anecdote ; pointed out the different head-
lands, bays, towns, and villages, w^hich they were passing
rapidly, and always had some little story connected
with each. Before the ladies had been two hours on
deck, they found themselves, to their infinite surprise,
not only interested, but in conversation with the cap-
tain of the smuggler, and more than once they laughed
outright. But the soi-disant Lord B. had inspired them
with confidence ; they fully believed that what he had
told them was true, and that he had taken possession
of the yacht to smuggle his goods, to be revenged,
and to have a laugh. Now none of these three
offences are capital in the eyes of the fair sex; and
Jack was a handsome, fine-looking fellow, of excel-
lent manners, and very agreeable conversation, at the
same time, neither he nor his friend were in their
general deportment or behaviour otherwise than most
respectful.

" Ladies, as you are not afraid of me, which is a
greater happiness than I had reason to expect, I think
you may be amused to witness the fear of those who
accuse your sex of cowardice. With your permission,
I will send for the cook and steward, and inquire
about the dinner ?"

'' I should like to know what there is for dinner,"
observed Mrs. Lascelles demurely ; *' would'nt you, Ce-
cilia?''

Cecilia put her handkerchief to her mouth,
u

290

THE TRAVESTIE.

*' Tell the steward and the cook both to come aft
immediately," cried Pickersgill.

In a few seconds they both made their appearance.

" Steward ! " cried Pickersgill, with a loud voice.

'' Yes, my lord," replied Maddox, with his hat
in his hand.

" What wines have you put out for dinner?"

" Champagne, my lord ; and claret, my lord ; and
Madeira and sherry, my lord."

'* No Burgundy, sir ? '*

" No, my lord ; there is no Burgundy on board."

" No Burgundy, sir ! do you dare to tell me
that?"

" Upon my soul, my lord," cried Maddox, drop-
ping on his knees, '^ there is no Burgundy on board —
ask the ladies."

" Very well, sir; you may go."

" Cook, what have you got for dinner?"

'* Sir, a haunch of mutt — of venison, my lord,"
replied the cook, with his white night-cap in his hand.

" What else, sirrah ?"

'* A boiled calf s head," my lord.

" A boiled calfs head? Let it be roasted, or I'll
roast you, sir," cried Pickersgill in an angry tone.

" Yes, my lord ; Pll roast it."

" And what else, sir?"

*' Maintenon cutlets, my lord."

" Maintenon cutlets! I hate them — I won't have
them, sir. Let them be dressed a Vomhre Chinoise."

*' I don't know what that is, my lord."

THE TRAVESTIE. 291

'' I don't care for that, sirrah; if you don't find
out by dinner-time, you're food for fishes — that's all :
you may go."

The cook walked off wringing his hands and his
night-cap as well — for he still held it in his right hand
— and disappeared down the fore-hatchway.

" I have done this to pay you a deserved compli-
ment, ladies ; you have more courage than the other
sex."

" Recollect that we have had confidence given to
us in consequence of your pledging your word, my
lord."

" You do me, then, the honour of believing me."

" I did not until I saw you," replied Mrs. Lascelles;
" but now I am convinced that you will perform your
promise."

" You do, indeed, encourage me, madam, to pursue
what is right," said Pickersgill, bowing ; *^ for your
approbation I should be most sorry to lose, still more
sorry to prove myself unworthy of it."

As the reader will observe, every thing was going
on remarkably well.

292

CHAPTER VL

THE SMUGGLING YACHT.

Cecilia returned to the cabin, to ascertain whether
her aunt was more composed ; but Mrs. Lascelles re-
mained on deck. She was much pleased with Pickers-
gill ; and they continued their conversation. Pickers-
gill entered into a defence of his conduct to Lord B. ;
and Mrs. Lascelles could not but admit the provocation.
After a long conversation, she hinted at his profession,
and how superior he appeared to be to such a lawless
life.

*' You may be incredulous, madam," replied Pickers-
gill, " if I tell you that I have as good a right to
quarter my arms as Lord B. himself; and that I am
not under my real name. Smuggling is, at all events,
no crime ; and T infinitely prefer the wild life I lead
at the head of my men, to being spurned by society
because I am poor. The greatest crime in this country
is poverty. I may, if I am fortunate, some day resume
my name. You may, perhaps, meet me, and, if you
please, you may expose me."

*^ That I should not be likely to do," replied the
widow ; '^ but still I regret to see a person, evidently
intended for better things, employed in so disreputable
a profession."

THE SMUGGLING YACHT. 293

" I hardly know, madam, what is and what is
not disreputable in this conventional world. It is
not considered disreputable to cringe to the vices of a
court, or to accept a pension, wrung from the indus-
try of the nation, in return for base servility. It is
not considered disreputable to take tithes, intended
for the service of God, and lavish them away at water-
ing-places or elsewhere, seeking pleasure instead of
doing God service. It is not considered disreputable
to take fee after fee to uphold injustice, to plead
against innocence, to pervert truth, and to aid the
devil. It is not considered disreputable to gamble
on the stock exchange, or to corrupt the honesty of
electors by bribes, to doing which the penalty attached
is equal to that decreed to the offence of which I am
guilty. All these, and much more, are not considered
disreputable ; yet, by all these are the moral bonds of
society loosened, while in mine we cause no guilt in
others "

*' But still it is a crime."

" A violation of the revenue-laws, and no more. Ob-
serve, madam, the English government encourage the
smuggling of our manufactures to the Continent, at
the same time that they take every step to prevent
articles being smuggled into this country. Now,
madam, can that be a crime ^ when the head of the
vessel is turned north, which becomes no crime when
she steers the opposite way ? "

*^ There is a stigma attached to it, you must allow."

" That I grant you, madam ; and as soon as I can
quit the profession I shall. No captive ever sighed

294

THE SMUGGLING YACHT.

more to be released from his chains ; but I will not
leave it, till I find that I am in a situation not to be
spurned and neglected by those with whom I have a
right to associate."

At this moment, the steward was seen forward
making signs to Mrs. Lascelles, who excused herself,
and went to him.

'' For the love of God, madam," said Maddox,
^' as he appears to be friendly with you, do pray find
out how these cutlets are to be dressed ; the cook is
tearing his hair, and we shall never have any dinner ;
and then it will all fall upon me, and I — shall be
tossed overboard."

Mrs. Lascelles desired poor Maddox to wait there
while she obtained the desired information. In a few
minutes she returned to him.

" I have found it out. They are first to be boiled
in vinegar ; then fried in batter, and served up with
a sauce of anchovy and Malaga raisins."

" First fried in vinegar ; then boiled in batter, and
served up with the almonds and raisins."

*' No — no!" Mrs. Lascelles repeated the injunc-
tion to the frightened steward ; and then returned aft,
and re-entered into a conversation with Pickersgill, in
which, for the first time, Corbett now joined. Corbett
had sense enough to feel, that the less he came forward
until his superior had established himself in the good
graces of the ladies, the more favourable w^ould be the
result.

In the mean time Cecilia had gone down to her
aunt, who still continued to wail and lament. The

THE SMUGGLING YACHT. 295

young lady tried all she could to console her, and to
persuade her that if they were civil and obedient they
had nothing to fear.

" Civil and obedient, indeed!" cried Miss Ossulton,
'* to a fellow who is a smuggler and a pirate. I, the
sister of Lord B. Never ! The presumption of the
wretch !"

'* That is all very well, aunt; but recollect, we must
submit to circumstances. These men insist upon our
dining with them ; and we must go, or we shall have
no dinner."

*' I sit down with a pirate ! Never ! I'll have no
dinner — I'll starve — I'll die ! "

'' But, my dear aunt, it's the only chance we have
of obtaining our release ; and if you do not do it,
Mrs. Lascelles will think that you wish to remain with
them."

" Mrs. Lascelles judges of other people by herself."

" The captain is certainly a very well-behaved, hand-
some man. He looks like a nobleman in disguise.
What an odd thing it would be, aunt, if this should be
all a hoax ? "

*^ A hoax, child ? " replied Miss Ossulton, sitting up
on the sofa.

Cecilia found that she had hit the right nail, as the
saying is ; and she brought forward so many arguments
to prove that she thought it was a hoax to frighten
them, and that the gentleman above was a man of con-
sequence, that her aunt began to listen to reason, and
at last consented to join the dinner-party. Mrs. Las-
celles now came down below ; and when dinner was

296 THE SMUGGLING YACHT.

announced, they repaired to the large cabin, where
they found Pickersgill and Corbett waiting for them.

Miss Ossulton did not venture to look up, until she
heard Pickersgill say to Mrs. Lascelles, '^ Perhaps,
madam, you will do me the favour to introduce me to
that lady, whom I have not had the honour of seeing
before?"

*^ Certainly, my lord," replied Mrs. Lascelles ; '^ Miss
Ossulton, the aunt of this young lady."

Mrs. Lascelles purposely did not introduce his lord-
ship in return, that she might mystify the old spinster.

" I feel highly honoured in finding myself in the
company of Miss Ossulton," said Pickersgill. '* Ladies,
we wait but for you to sit down. Ossulton, take the
head of the table and serve the soup."

Miss Ossulton was astonished; she looked at the
smugglers, and perceived two well-dressed gentlemanly
men, one of whom was apparently a lord, and the other
having the same family name.

" It must be all a hoax," thought she; and she
very quietly took to her soup.

The dinner passed off very pleasantly ; Pickersgill
was agreeable, Corbett funny, and Miss Ossulton so far
recovered herself as to drink wine with his lordship,
and to ask Corbett what branch of their family he
belonged to.

^' I presume it's the Irish branch," said Mrs. Las-
celles, prompting him.

" Exactly, madam," replied Corbett.

" Have you ever been to Torquay, ladies?" inquired
Pickersgill.

THE SMUGGLING YACHT. 297

*^ No, my lord," answered Mrs. Lascelles.

" We shall anchor there in the course of an hour,
and probably remain there till to-morrow. Steward,
bring coffee. Tell the cook these cutlets were remark-
ably well dressed.''

The ladies retired to the cabin. Miss Ossulton was
now convinced that it was all a hoax ; but said she,
" I shall tell Lord B. my opinion of their practical
jokes when he returns. What is his lordship's name
who is on board ? "

^' He won't tell us," replied Mrs. Lascelles ; " but
I think I know ; it is Lord Blarney."

" Lord Blaney you mean, I presume," said Miss
Ossulton; "however, the thing is carried too far.
Cecilia, we will go on shore at Torquay, and wait till
the yacht returns with Lord B. I don't like these
jokes : they may do very well for widows, and people
of no rank."

Now, Mrs. Lascelles was sorry to find Miss Os-
sulton so much at her ease. She owed her no little
spite, and wished for revenge. Ladies will go very
far to obtain this. How far Mrs. Lascelles would
have gone, I will not pretend to say; but this is cer-
tain, that the last inuendo of Miss Ossulton very
much added to her determination. She took her bon-
net and went on deck, at once told Pickersgill that
he could not please her or Cecilia more than by fright-
ening Miss Ossulton, who, under the idea that it was
all a hoax, had quite recovered her spirits ; talked of
her pride and ill-nature, and wished her to receive a
useful lesson. Thus, to follow up her revenge, did

298 THE SMUGGLING YACHT.

Mrs. Lascelles commit herself so far, as to be confi-
dential with the smuojgler in return.

" Mrs. Lascelles, I shall be able to obey you, and,
at the same time, to combine business with pleasure."

After a short conversation, the yacht dropped her
anchor at Torquay. It was then about two hours
before sunset. As soon as the sails were furled, one
or two gentlemen, who resided there, came on board
to pay their respects to Lord B. ; and, as Pickersgill
had found out from Cecilia that her father was ac-
quainted with no one there, he received them in per-
son ; asked them down in the cabin ; called for wine ;
and desired them to send their boat away, as his own
was going on shore. The smugglers took great care,
that the steward, cook, and lady's maid, should have
no communication with the guests ; one of them, by
Corbett*s direction, being a sentinel over each indivi-
dual. The gentlemen remained about half-an-hour on
board, during which Corbett and the smugglers had
filled the portmanteaus found in the cabin with the lace,
and they were put in the boat. Corbett then landed
the gentlemen in the same boat, and went up to the
hotel, the smugglers following him with the port-
manteaus, without any suspicion or interruption. As
soon as he was there, he ordered post-horses, and set
ofi" for a town close by, where he had correspondents ;
and thus the major part of the cargo was secured.
Corbett then returned in the night, bringing with him
people to receive the goods ; and the smugglers landed
the silks, teas, &c. with the same good fortune. Every
thing was out of the yacht except a portion of the lace,

THE SMUGGLING YACHT. 299

which the portmanteaus would not hold. Plckersgill
might easily have sent this on shore; but, to please
Mrs. Lascelles, he arranged otherwise.

The next morning, about an hour after breakfast
was finished, Mrs. Lascelles entered the cabin pre-
tending to be in the greatest consternation, and fell
on the sofa, as if she were going to faint.

'' Good heavens! what is the matter?" exclaimed
Cecilia, who knew very well what was coming.

" Oh, the wretch! he has made such proposals."

"Proposals! what proposals? what! LordBlaney?"
cried Miss Ossulton.

*^ Oh, he's no lord ; he's a villain and a smuggler :
and he insists that we shall both fill our pockets full
of lace, and go on shore with him."

*' Mercy on me ! then it is no hoax after all ; and
I've been sitting down to dinner with a smuggler !"

" Sitting down, madam ! — if it were to be no more
than that — but we are to take his arm up to the hotel.
Oh, dear ! Cecilia, I am ordered on deck, pray come
with me."

Miss Ossulton rolled on the sofa, and rang for
Phoebe ; she was in a state of great alarm.

A knock at the door.

*' Come in," said Miss Ossulton, thinking it was
Phoebe ; when Pickersgill made his appearance.

" What do you want, sir? go out, sir ! go out di-
rectly, or I'll scream."

** It is no use screaming, madam ; recollect that
all on board are at my service. You will oblige me by
listening to me, Miss Ossulton. I am, as you know,

300 THE SMUGGLING YACHT.

a smuggler, and I must send this lace on shore. You
will oblige me by putting it into your pockets, or about
your person, and prepare to go on shore with me.
As soon as we arrive at the hotel, you will deliver it
to me, and I then shall reconduct you on board of the
yacht. You are not the first lady who has gone on
shore with contraband articles about her person.

'' Me, sir, go on shore in that way? no, sir,
never! what will the world say? the Hon. Miss Ossul-
ton walking with a smuggler! No, sir, never!"

" Yes, madam, walking arm-and-arm with a smug-
gler : I shall have you on one arm, and Mrs. Lascelles
on the other ; and I would advise you to take it very
quietly, for, in the first place, it will be you who smug-
gle, as the goods will be found on your person, and you
will certainly be put in prison, for, at the least ap-
pearance of insubordination, we run and inform against
you ; and, further, your niece will remain on board as
a hostage for your good behaviour, and if you have any
regard for her liberty, you will consent immediately."

Pickersgill left the cabin, and shortly afterwards
Cecilia and Mrs. Lascelles entered, apparently much
distressed. They had been informed of all, and Mrs.
Lascelles declared, that, for her part, sooner than leave
her poor Cecilia to the mercy of such people, she had
made up her mind to submit to the smuggler's de-
mands. Cecilia also begged so earnestly, that Miss
Ossulton, who had no idea that it was a trick, with
much sobbing and blubbering, consented.

When all was ready, Cecilia left the cabin;
Pickersgill came down, handed up the two ladies,

THE SMUGGLING YACHT. 301

who had not exchanged a word with each other du-
ring Cecilia's absence; the boat was ready alongside,
they went in, and pulled on shore. Every thing suc-
ceeded to the smuggler's satisfaction. Miss Ossulton,
frightened out of her wits, took his arm ; and, with
Mrs. Lascelles on the other, they went up to the
hotel, followed by four of his boat's crew. As soon
as they were shewn into a room, Corbett, who was
already on shore, asked for Lord B., and joined
them. The ladies retired to another apartment, di-
vested themselves of their contraband goods, and, after
calling for some sandwiches and wine, Pickersgill
waited an hour, and then returned on board. Mrs.
Lascelles was triumphant ; and she rewarded her new
ally, the smuggler, with one of her sweetest smiles.
Community of interest will sometimes make strange
friendships.

302

CHAPTER VII.

CONCLUSION.

We must now return to the other parties who have
assisted in the acts of this little drama. Lord B., after
paddling and paddling, the men relieving each other in
order to make head against the wind which was off
shore, arrived about midnight at a small town in West
Bay, from whence he took a chaise on to Portsmouth,
taking it for granted that his yacht would arrive as soon
as, if not before himself, little imagining that it was in
possession of the smugglers. There he remained three
or four days, when, becoming impatient, he applied to
one of his friends who had a yacht at Cowes, and
sailed with him to look after his own.

We left the Happy-go-lucky chased by the revenue
cutter. At first the smuggler had the advantage before
the wind ; but, by degrees, the wind went round with
the sun, and brought the revenue cutter to leeward j it
was then a chase on a wind, and the revenue cutter
came fast up with her.

Morrison perceiving that he had no chance of es-
cape, let run the ankers of brandy that he might not
be condemned; but still he was in an awkward situ-
ation, as he had more men on board than allowed by

CONCLUSION. 303

act of Parliament. He therefore stood on, notwith-
standing the shot of the cutter went over and over him,
hoping that a fog or night might enable him to escape ;
but he had no such good fortune, — one of the shot
carried away the head of his mast, and the Happy-go-
lucky 's luck was all over. He was boarded and taken
possession of; he asserted that the extra men were only
passengers ; but, in the first place, they were dressed
in seamen's clothes ; and, in the second, as soon as the
boat was aboard of her, Appleboy had gone down to his
gin toddy, and was not to be disturbed. The gen-
tlemen smugglers therefore passed an uncomfortable
night ; and the cutter going to Portland by daylight
before Appleboy was out of bed, they were taken on
shore to the magistrate. Hautaine explained the
whole affair, and they were immediately released and
treated with respect; but they were not permitted to
depart until they were bound over to appear against
the smugglers, and prove the brandy having been on
board. They then set off for Portsmouth in the sea-
men's clothes, having had quite enough of yachting
for that season, Mr. Ossulton declaring that he only
wanted to get his luggage, and then he would take
care how he put himself again in the way of the shot
of a revenue cruiser, or of sleeping a night on her decks.

In the meantime, Morrison and his men were
locked up in the jail, the old man, as the key was
turned on him, exclaiming, as he raised his foot in
vexation, "That cursed blue pigeon!"

We will now return to the yacht.

About an hour after Pickersgill had come on

304 CONCLUSION.

board, Corbett had made all his arrangements and fol-
lowed him. It was not advisable to remain at Torquay
any longer, through fear of discovery ; he, therefore,
weighed the anchor before dinner, and made sail.

" What do you intend to do now, my lord," said
Mrs. Lascelles.

*' I intend to run down to Cowes, anchor the yacht
in the night ; and an hour before daylight have you in
my boat with all my men. I will take care that you
are in perfect safety, depend upon it, even if I run a
risk. I should, indeed, be miserable, if, through my
wild freaks, any accident should happen to Mrs. Las-
celles or Miss Ossulton."

" I am very anxious about my father," observed
Cecilia. " I trust that you will keep your promise."

*' I always have hitherto, Miss Ossulton ; have I
not?"

'* Ours is but a short and strange acquaintance."

" I grant it ; but it will serve for you to talk about
long after. I shall disappear as suddenly as I have
come — you will neither of you, in all probability, ever
see me again."

The dinner was announced, and they sat dovm to
table as before ; but the elderly spinster refused to
make her appearance ; and Mrs. Lascelles and Cecilia,
who thought she had been frightened enough, did not
attempt to force her. Pickersgill immediately yielded to
these remonstrances, and, from that time, she remained
undisturbed in the ladies' cabin, meditating over the
indignity of having sat down to table, having drank
wine, and been obliged to walk on shore, taking the

CONCLUSION. 305

arm of a smuggler, and appear in such a humiliating
situation.

The wind was light, and they made but little pro-
gress, and were not abreast of Portland till the second
day, when another yacht appeared in sight, and the
two vessels slowly neared until in the afternoon they
were within four miles of each other. It then fell a
dead calm — signals were thrown out by the other
yacht, but could not be distinguished, and, for the last
time, they sat down to dinner. Three days' companion-
ship on board of a vessel, cooped up together, and having
no one else to converse with, will produce intimacy ;
and Pickersgill was a young man of so much originality
and information, that he was listened to with pleasure.
He never attempted to advance beyond the line of strict
decorum and politeness ; and his companion was equally
unpresuming. Situated as they were, and feeling what
must have been the case had they fallen into other
hands, both Cecilia and Mrs. Lascelles felt some degree
of gratitude towards him ; and, although anxious to be
relieved from so strange a position, they had gradually
acquired a perfect confidence in him, and this had pro-
duced a degree of familiarity, on their parts, although
never ventured upon by the smuggler. As Corbett
was at the table, one of the men came down and
made a sign. Corbett shortly after quitted the table
and went on deck. " I wish, my lord, you would come
up a moment, and see if you can make this flag out,"
said Corbett, giving a significant nod to Pickersgill.
*' Excuse me, ladies, one moment," said Pickersgill,
who went on deck.

306 CONCLUSION.

" It is the boat of the yacht coming on board," said
Corbett ; " and Lord B. is in the stern-sheets with the
gentleman who was with him."

" And how many men in the boat? — let me see —
only four. Well, let his lordship and his friend come :
when they are on the deck, have the men ready in case
of accident ; but if you can manage to tell the boat's
crew that they are to go on board again, and get rid of
them that way, so much the better. Arrange this with
Adams, and then come down again — his lordship must
see us all at dinner."

Pickersgill then descended, and Corbett had hardly
time to give his directions and to resume his seat,
before his lordship and Mr. Stewart pulled up along-
side and jumped on deck. There was no one to receive
them but the seamen, and those whom they did not
know. They looked around in amazement; at last his
lordship said to Adams, who stood forward,

*' What men are you?"

*' Belong to the yacht, ye'r honour."

Lord B. heard laughing in the cabin : he would
not wait to interrogate the men ; he walked aft, fol-
lowed by Mr. Stewart, looked down the skylight, and
perceived his daughter and Mrs. Lascelles with, as he
supposed, Hautaine and Ossulton.

Pickersgill had heard the boat rub the side, and the
sound of the feet on deck, and he talked the more loud-
ly that the ladies might be caught by Lord B. as they
were. He heard their feet at the skylight, and knew
that they could hear what passed ; and at that moment
he proposed to the ladies that as this was their last

CONCLUSION. 307

meeting at table they should all take a glass of cham-
pagne to drink to " their happy meeting with Lord B."
This was a toast which they did not refuse. Maddox
poured out the wine, and they were all bowing to each
other, when his lordship, who had come down the lad-
der, walked into the cabin, followed by Mr. Stewart.

Cecilia perceived her father ; the champagne-glass
dropped from her hand — she flew into his arms, and
burst into tears.

*' Who would not be a father, Mrs. Lascelles," said
Pickersgill, quietly seating himself, after having first
risen to receive Lord B.

'^ And pray, whom may I have the honour of find-
ing established here?" said Lord B. in an angry tone,
speaking over his daughter's head, who still lay in his
arms. "By Heavens, yes ! — Stewart, it is the smug-
gling captain dressed out."

" Even so, my lord," replied Pickersgill. *' You
abandoned your yacht to capture me ; you left these
ladies in a vessel crippled for want of men : they might
have been lost. I have returned good for evil by coming
on board with my own people, and taking charge of
them. This night, I expected to have anchored your
vessel in Cowes, and have left them in safety."

" By the " cried Stewart.

" Stop, sir, if you please!" cried Pickersgill; *' re-
collect you have once already attacked one who never
offended. Oblige me by refraining from intemperate
language ; for I tell you I will not put up with it. Re-
collect, sir, that I have refrained from that, and also
from taking advantage of you when you were in my

308 CONCLUSION.

power. Recollect, sir, also, that the yacht is still in
possession of the smugglers, and that you are in no
condition to insult with impunity. My lord, allow
me to observe, that we men are too hot of tem-
perament to argue, or listen coolly. With your per-
mission, your friend, and my friend, and I, will repair
on deck, leaving you to hear from your daughter
and that lady all that has passed. After that, my lord,
I shall be most happy to hear any thing which your
lordship may please to say."

*' Upon my word — " commenced Mr. Stewart.
*' Mr. Stewart," interrupted Cecilia Ossulton, " I
request your silence; nay, more, if ever we are
again to sail in the same vessel together, I insist
upon it."

" Your lordship will oblige me by enforcing Miss
Ossulton's request," said Mrs. Lascelles.

Mr. Stewart was dumbfounded, no wonder, to find
the ladies siding with the smuggler.

** I am obliged to you ladies for your interference,"
said Pickersgill ; " for, although I have the means of
enforcing conditions, I should be sorry to avail myself
of them. I wait for his lordship's reply."

Lord B. was very much surprised. He wished for
an explanation ; he bowed with hauteur. Every body
appeared to be in a false position ; even he, Lord B.,
somehow or another, had bowed to a smuggler.

Pickersgill and Stewart went on deck, walking up
and down, crossing each other without speaking, but
reminding you of two dogs who both are anxious to
fight, but have been restrained by the voice of their

CONCLUSION, 309

masters. Corbett followed, and talked in a low tone
to Pickersgill ; Stewart went over to leeward to see if
the boat was still alongside, but it had long before re-
turned to the yacht. Miss Ossulton had heard her
brother's voice, but did not come out of the after-cabin ;
she wished to be magnificent; and, at the same time,
she was not sure whether all was right, Phoebe having
informed her that there was nobody with her brother
and Mr. Stewart, and that the smugglers still had the
command of the vessel. After a while, Pickersgill and
Corbett went down forward, and returned dressed in
the smugglers' clothes, when they resumed their walk
on the deck.

In the meantime, it was dark; the cutter flew
along the coast ; and the Needles' lights were on the
larboard bow. The conversation between Cecilia, Mrs.
Lascelles, and her father, was long. When all had
been detailed, and the conduct of Pickersgill duly re-
presented. Lord B. acknowledged that, by attacking
the smuggler, he had laid himself open to retaliation ;
that Pickersgill had shewn a great deal of forbearance
in every instance; and, after all, had he not gone on
board the yacht she might have been lost, with only
three seamen on board. He was amused with the
smuggling and the fright of his sister ; still more,
with the gentlemen being sent to Cherbourg; and
much consoled that he was not the only one to be
laughed at. He was also much pleased with Pick-
ersgill's intention of leaving the yacht safe in Cowes
harbour, his respect to the property on board, and his

31Q CONCLUSION.

conduct to the ladies. On the whole, he felt grateful
to Pickersgill ; and where there is gratitude, there is
always good will.

'' But who can he be?" said Mrs. Lascelles, '^ his
name he acknowledges not to be Pickersgill; and he
told me confidentially that he was of good family."

" Confidentially ! my dear Mrs. Lascelles," said
Lord B.

" Oh, yes ! we are both his confidants. Are we
not, Cecilia 1 "

** Upon my honour, Mrs. Lascelles, this smuggler
appears to have made an impression which many have
attempted in vain."

Mrs. Lascelles did not reply to that remark, but
said, " Now, my lord, you must decide ; and I trust
you will to oblige us — treat him as he has treated us,
with the greatest respect and kindness."

** Why should you suppose otherwise?" replied
Lord B. ; " it is not only my wish, but my interest
so to do. He may take us over to France to-night,
or any where else. Has he not possession of the
vessel?"

" Yes," replied Cecilia; '' but we flatter ourselves
that we have the command. Shall we call him down,
papa?"

" Ring for Maddox. Maddox, tell Mr. Pickers-
gill, who is on deck, that I wish to speak with him,
and shall be obliged by his stepping down into the
cabin."

*^ Who, my lord? What! Him?''

CONCLUSION. 311

" Yes, hiniy* replied Cecilia, laughing.

" Must I call him, my lord, now, miss?"

" You may do as you please, Maddox ; but recol-
lect, he still is in possession of the vessel," replied
Cecilia.

" Then, with your lordship's permission, I will; it's
the safest way."

The smuggler entered the cabin ; the ladies started
as he appeared in his rough costume, with his throat
open, and his loose black handkerchief. He was the
heaU'ideal of a handsome sailor.

" Your lordship wishes to communicate with me?"

" Mr. Pickersgill, I feel that you have had cause
of enmity against me, and that you have behaved with
forbearance. I thank you for your considerate treat-
ment of the ladies; and I assure you, that I feel no
resentment for what has passed."

*' My lord, I am quite satisfied with what you have
said; and I only hope that, in future, you will not
interfere with a poor smuggler, who may be striving,
by a life of danger and privation, to procure subsistence
for himself and, perhaps, his family. I stated to these
ladies my intention of anchoring the yacht this night
at Cowes, and leaving her as soon as she was in safety.
Your unexpected presence will only make this differ-
ence, which is, that I must previously obtain your lord-
ship's assurance that those with you, will allow me and
my men to quit her without molestation, after we have
performed this service."

" I pledge you my word, Mr. Pickersgill, and I

312 CONCLUSION.

thank you into the bargain. I trust you will allow me
to offer some remuneration."

" Most certainly not, my lord."

'^ At all events, Mr. Pickersgill, if, at any other
time, I can be of service, you may command me."

Pickersgill made no reply.

" Surely, Mr. Pickersgill, "

'^ Pickersgill! how I hate that name!" said the
smuggler, musing. ^* I beg your lordship's pardon — •
if I may require your assistance for any of my unfor-
tunate companions "

^' Not for yourself, Mr. Pickersgill?" said Mrs.
Lascelles.

'^ Madam, I smuggle no more."

" For the pleasure I feel in hearing that resolution,
Mr. Pickersgill," said Cecilia, ^' take my hand, and
thanks."

*' And mine," said Mrs. Lascelles, half crying.

" And mine, too," said Lord B., rising up.

Pickersgill passed the back of his hand across his
eyes, turned round, and left the cabin.

" I'm so happy!" said Mrs. Lascelles, bursting into
tears.

*' He's a masrnificent fellow," observed Lord B.
*' Gome, let us all go on deck."

" You have not seen my aunt, papa."

" True ; I'll go in to her, and then follow you."

The ladies went upon deck. Cecilia entered into
conversation with Mr. Stewart, giving him a narrative
of what had happened. Mrs. Lascelles sat abaft at the

CONCLUSION. 313

taffrail, with her pretty hand supporting her cheek,
looking very much a la Juliette.

" Mrs. Lascelles," said Pickersgill, " before we
part, allow me to observe, that it is you who have in-
duced me to give up my profession "

'' Why me, Mr. Pickersgill?"

" You said that you did not like it."

Mrs. Lascelles felt the force of the compliment.
'^ You said, just now, that you hated the name of
Pickersgill : why do you call yourself so ? "

" It was my smuggling name, Mrs. Lascelles."

" And now, that you have left off smuggling, pray
what may be the name we are to call you by ?"

" I cannot resume it, till I have not only left this
vessel, but shaken hands with, and bid farewell to, my
companions ; and by that time, Mrs. Lascelles, I shall
be away from you."

*' But I've a great curiosity to know it, and a lady's
curiosity must be gratified. You must call upon me
some day and tell it me. Here is my address."

Pickersgill received the card with a low bow ; and
Lord B. coming on deck, Mrs. Lascelles hastened to
meet him.

The vessel was now passing the Bridge at the
Needles, and the smuggler piloted her on. As soon
as they were clear and well inside, the whole party
went down into the cabin, Lord B. requesting Pickers-
gill and Corbett to join him in a parting glass. Mr.
Stewart, who had received the account of what had
passed from Cecilia, was very attentive to Pickersgill,
and took an opportunity of saying, that he was sorry

314 CONCLUSION.

that he had said or done any thing to annoy him.
Every one recovered his spirits; and all was good
humour and mirth, because Miss Ossulton adhered to
her resolution of not quitting the cabin till she could
quit the yacht. At ten o'clock the yacht was anchored.
Pickersgill took his leave of the honourable company,
and went in his boat with his men ; and Lord B. was
again in possession of his vessel, although he had not
a ship's company. Maddox recovered his usual tone ;
and the cook flourished his knife, swearing that he
should like to see the smuggler who would again order
him to dress cutlets a V ombre Chinoise.

The yacht had remained three days at Cowes, when
Lord B. received a letter from Pickersgill, stating that
the men of his vessel had been captured, and would be
condemned, in consequence of their having the gentle-
men on board, who were bound to appear against them,
to prove that they had sunk the brandy. Lord B.
paid all the recognisances, and the men were liberated
for want of evidence.

It was about two years after this that Cecilia
Ossulton, who was sitting at her work-table in deep
mourning for her aunt, was presented with a letter
by the butler. It was from her friend Mrs. Lascelles,
informing her that she was married again to a Mr.
Davenant, and intended to pay her a short visit on
her way to the Continent. Mr. and Mrs. Davenant
arrived the next day ; and when the latter introduced
her husband, she said to Miss Ossulton, " Look, Cecilia
dear, and tell me if you have ever seen Davenant
before."

CONCLUSION. 315

Cecilia looked earnestly. " I have, indeed," cried
she at last, extending her hand with warmth ; " and
happy am I to meet with him again."

For in Mr. Davenant she recognised her old ac-
quaintance, the captain of the Happy-go-Lucky, Jack
Pickersgill, the smuggler.

THE END.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY JAMES MOYES, CASTLK STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE.

Q4

,ex

f

>

.^^

\

'^^^

^Vf

M125264

--' '-^

THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA LIBRARY